Starting Strength Coach Grant Broggi answers a question from The Strength Co. Slack Community about making progress while traveling and using bad equipment. This is a clip from The Okay Podcast episode 019.
Dealing with Progressive Overload While Traveling
Traveling often poses unique challenges for those committed to a consistent training regimen, especially when it comes to maintaining progressive overload. Here’s a practical guide to staying on track, even when you're hitting the gym on the road.
Finding the Right Gym
The first step in maintaining your training routine while traveling is finding the right gym. A quick Google search like "barbell gyms in [City Name]" before your trip can save you a lot of hassle. Try to plan your stay close to a well-equipped gym. This not only makes it easier to fit workouts into your schedule, but also ensures you have access to the necessary equipment.
Adapting Your Schedule]
Flexibility is key when traveling. You might find yourself working out at different times than usual or adjusting your routine to fit your travel schedule. The important thing is to make training a priority. If you’re used to training at a specific time each day, try to stick to this schedule as closely as possible. If changes are needed, adapt gradually so your body isn’t shocked by sudden shifts.
Handling Inconsistent Equipment
One common concern when using different gyms is the inconsistency in equipment, especially the weights of plates. It's possible that a plate labeled 45 pounds might weigh slightly more or less. While this can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to follow a strict progressive overload program, it’s important to focus on the bigger picture. The goal is to train effectively, regardless of minor discrepancies in equipment weight.
Practical Tips for Progressive Overload on the Road
Bring Micro Plates: Consider packing a pair of 1.25-pound plates in your gym bag. Many gyms don’t offer increments smaller than 2.5 pounds, so having your own allows for precise adjustments.-
Focus on Effort, Not Numbers: If you’re unsure about the exact weight due to different plates, focus on the effort and how the weight feels. If a set feels too easy compared to usual, it’s okay to add a bit more weight in the next set.-
Adapt and Overcome: If you end up lifting slightly more or less than intended, don't sweat it. Progressive overload is about increasing your strength over time. A few pounds off on a single workout won’t significantly impact your long-term progress.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the key to successful training while traveling is to prioritize your workouts and adapt to the available resources. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good; it's better to have a slightly imperfect workout than to skip it altogether. By planning ahead and being flexible, you can keep making progress no matter where you are.