What You Have in Common With the Space Shuttle

Did you know that the space shuttle uses more fuel during the first three minutes of takeoff than it does during its entire journey around the Earth?

If you’ve ever taken a physics class, you’ve probably learned about inertia, which basically says that an object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion. In other words, objects don’t like to change, constantly starting, stopping and changing direction, because it takes A LOT of energy to do so. The same is true for us. We have a natural tendency to resist change. Why? Because it’s hard. I am no exception in this area and maybe you can relate.

I have developed many healthy habits over the years. However, when I go on a trip or on vacation, my whole schedule is off. I’m usually staying at a hotel with no kitchen of my own to cook a healthy meal. If I’m at a conference, I’m sitting all day in sessions. It’s hard to find time to work out, even in the hotel gym (if they have one). The hardest part is when I return home from such a trip. My body is achy and stiff because I’ve sat in chairs and on planes for most of my trip. Additionally, I feel that my body has retained water from the daily sitting, eating out, and lack of physical activity. Now that I’ve returned from my trip, I’m ready to get back on track. But boy, is it tough! That first workout feels like I haven’t worked out in months!

There is no doubt that getting your body going again is always hard, especially the longer time you take off. So what does this all mean? Does it mean that we shouldn’t take time off or never go on trips? Of course not. Since we learned that a body in motion likes to stay in motion and that it takes A LOT of energy and motivation to get you going if you’ve stopped, I would recommend during this time of year when many people travel and are out of their normal healthy routine, to just try to maintain, somehow.

I love this quote and I use it often by Theodore Roosevelt: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” This may mean getting up to stretch frequently on the plane. Choosing light, healthy meals if you will be sitting all day. Drinking a lot of water to keep your metabolism going. Taking some walks or doing something active like renting a bike to take around town instead of driving or taking a taxi. Carry your own luggage instead of pushing it around. Pass on dessert or have just a bite. Get your coffee plain, “light,” or “skinny” instead of the sugary holiday alternative. And remember to always have a protein in every meal or snack.

Think about your own next trip and remember that you’re not going to get in better shape when you travel. The more realistic mindset is to try not to lose too much of what you’ve worked so hard for. When you return from your trip, you won’t feel like the heavy space shuttle starting from a standstill. You will already be in motion and just have to rev it up a little!