13/11/2025
“How do you keep up with exercise when you’re travelling so much?”
I hear this question all the time. The answer is simple: I treat movement as medicine, not as something I fit in when convenient. Whether I’m in London or abroad, my non-negotiables are Lagree, Pilates, hiking (mountains when possible), and tennis.
I’ll be honest—I’m quite terrified of losing muscle mass. Partly because i am vain 🤣 but also because I understand what muscle represents: metabolic currency, longevity insurance, and functional independence as we age.
Why does this matter from a physiological perspective?
Mitochondrial function. HIIT upregulates PGC-1α—the gene that drives mitochondrial creation. Hiking and endurance activities increase mitochondrial density in cells, whilst resistance work like Lagree optimises how efficiently those mitochondria function. Tennis delivers cardiovascular benefits through its unique pattern of intense rallies followed by brief recovery. The outcome? Enhanced cellular energy production, metabolic flexibility, and resilience under stress.
Metabolic regulation. Combining aerobic and resistance training lowers fasting insulin levels and improves how your cells respond to glucose. This combination is particularly effective for reducing visceral adiposity and supporting lean tissue development.
Stress response. Regular training lowers baseline cortisol, improves heart rate variability (your nervous system’s ability to adapt to demands), and strengthens recovery mechanisms after stressful events.
Supporting elimination. Movement enhances lung function and activates antioxidant systems. Both lungs and skin serve as detoxification organs—breathing deeply and sweating during exercise directly support these elimination pathways, boosting blood flow & lymphatic movement.
When travel disrupts my usual routine, I prioritise even more intentionally. I’ll find a Lagree or Pilates studio and book myself in, or use resistance bands in my hotel room—they’re always in my luggage and turn any space into a workout environment, along with a wall or a chair.
Perfection isn’t the goal. Showing up is
✨What does your movement practice look like when you travel?
