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2016 is fast-tracking already and by mid-February, well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions on healthy living are on the shelf, often hidden behind the excuse of “too much travelling.” Well dust off those goals! We have recruited Liz Nable, owner of Xtend Barre studios in Mosman, Manly and the newly-opened Mona Vale to give you her top three tips for healthy travelling.

Liz Nable from Xtend Barre
BK: What are your three tips for a healthy body pre-, during and post-travel?
LN: Pre-Travel – I try to exercise right before and right after jumping on a plane or getting in the car for a long trip, even if it’s only for 20 minutes. It just gets your heart racing and blood pumping so you don’t feel like such a lump sitting for the next few hours. It is great to be physically exhausted when you get on a long haul flight. I find it helps me to sleep.
It is great to be physically exhausted when you get on a long haul flight. I find it helps me to sleep.
During Travel – I pack lots of good snacks, things that won’t spoil or go soggy after a period of time. Tamari almonds are great. The Green Smoothie Co. (based in Perth) have awesome single satchel serves to make a super food smoothie by just adding to water. Choose from Cacao, Super Green and a Protein option. They really are perfect for healthy travelling! Another Australian company, Bakemixes have pre-mixed clean treats you can make the night before – Cacao chip cookies, banana muffins and protein balls. They take about 30 seconds to mix – so easy! Just pack them in a lunchbox the next day and off you go! The kids love them too.
Post-Travel – I guess it depends on if your destination is work or play. If you are near the ocean or your hotel has a pool, there is nothing better than a post flight/trip swim to wake up all of the senses and get you right back on track.
Healthy travelling – There is nothing better than a post flight/trip swim to wake up all of the senses and get you right back on track

A post-trip swim wakes up all the senses
BK: What kind of exercise do you do when you are travelling?
LN: I just try to move – walk everywhere and explore by foot if I can. Whenever I am in a foreign city for work, I always like to try the latest and best studio classes that are on offer…you know check out the competition! In the hotel gym, my husband Adam who is the creator of Xtend Barre Circuit 7, has designed a home HIIT workout (high intensity interval training) that is 19 minutes in total. You can do it on any cardio machine, bike, treadmill, rower or cross-trainer machine. It is super hard but it is over before you can even think about how much you would rather be watching a movie in bed! And if I need my Xtend Barre fix I can just login online to one of our online classes (available as a subscription for those on the go) and I can get an Xtend Barre class right there in my hotel room. Healthy travelling does not get any easier!

Workout on the go with Xtend Barre
BK: What are your go-to exercise packing essentials when you travel?
LN: I don’t travel without:
- My iPhone (I have a bunch of great playlists) or there is always Spotify or Pandora radio to listen to.
- A great pair of multi-functional training shoes – the latest Women’s Nike range is awesome.
- At least a couple of pairs of high-waisted compression leggings (they double as the perfect long haul flight attire, loungewear and workout outfit all in one.) Michi New York and Varley are my faves.
- My Xtend Barre resistance band and some light weights if I can.
Interested in joining the Xtend Barre phenomenon? Join Liz and her team at Xtend Barre Mosman, Manly or Mona Vale with their special offer for new clients – $49 for 14 days of Unlimited Classes. Just mention Bird and Knoll at sign up.