Ask Chris Black: What Do You Use to Work Out While Traveling?
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If you’re looking for the most powerfulhair dryeror handiestchef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next statuswater bottleorhand wash, for instance? Regular readers of the Strategist will know that we’ve previously turned to resident Cool GuyChris Black(he’s a partner at brand consultancyPublic Announcement) to help us answer both of those questions. For more of Chris’s advice, he’s now answering reader questions for us in a regular column. If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, drop us an email with the subject line “Ask Chris” at strategist@nymag.com.
What are the keys to staying on afitnessregimen when traveling? What products should I get to make sure I don’t fall off the wagon when out of town? And what to do aboutsweatyclothes?
First of all, avoid carbs and dairy. I just returned from a monthlong jaunt through multipleEuropean countries, and not indulging feels better than a dailyfresh baguettetastes! And take yourprobioticsand digestive enzymes. If your hotel doesn’t have a dark closet-sized room full of dated Technogym equipment, stacks of unusedtowels, and three sad apples in a bowl next to a water cooler, then it is up to you to figure something out.
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Definitely pack a heavy resistance band. They are super-versatile and take up no space. They work likeweights— our muscles contract to generate force to stabilize and control the desired movement. These are most popular for squats and other lower body moves, but they can be used for rows and mountain climbers, too.
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The other thing I would suggest is a goodjump rope. It’s a great way to getcardio in, wherever you are in the world. This one is superlight, and the grips feel nice in your hand. I also should recommendClassPass. After averyweird workout at a vegan metal powerlifting gym in Berlin, I was … desperate for boutique fitness, and ClassPass saved my life. It is cheaper than most overpriced gym day passes and is all done by geographic location. HIIT,yoga,barre,spinning, it’s all there. No days off!
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Runningis the perfect way to discover any city. I just got some Hoka One One Clifton 6s, and they came very in handy on a scorching hot day in Kalamata when I just had to get fivemiles in. I was always wary of the chunky cushioned soles, but they’re working for me. The sneakers take up a little more room in mysuitcasethan I would like, but it’s worth it for a comfortable ride!
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I need a good-looking desk chair that won’t hurt my back (ideally for around $350). Help!
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The onlydeskchair I can recommend is the Herman Miller Aeron Chair. It is the Ferrari ofdesk chairs.The patented Kinemat tilt mechanism lets your neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles pivot naturally. It’s also perforated, so you keep cool even when your boss is yelling at you from onecubicleover. They are very easy to find refurbished (like this model, which Amazon promises looks and works like new, and backs with a 90-day warranty). And even though a refurbished model will still cost little more than your allotted budget, it’s far less than a new chair’s price tag of $1,275. Plus: You cannot put a price on productivity, or your health!
I have had approximately five Dopp kits in as many years because I can’t find one that checks all of the boxes, and I easily get sick of them. Can you recommend some that I actually might want (and will hold up) forever?
TheDopp kitt, or wash bag, is an excellent opportunity for a subtle designer flex. Few will probably see it, but when they do, they should be impressed.
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If you need something simple, you can’t go wrong with brown leather from Filson. The branding is understated, and theDopp kitwill age beautifully.
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For those willing to invest more in a Dopp kit, Prada’s classic black nylon one would be perfect — very durable, chic, and easy to clean. It has two compartments, which I find helpful for organization.[Editor’s note: Beauty consultantDavid Pirrottaalso recommended this as one of thebest Dopp kits for guys.]
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