Don't Leave Your Workout at Home: Staying Active, Connected, and Grounded While Traveling
Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys. It opens doors to new experiences, fresh inspiration, and much-needed rest. But if you’re someone like me—an athletic model, performing artist, and active soul—it also comes with a challenge: staying physically and mentally aligned when you're outside your routine.
Let’s be honest—when you pack for a trip, you’re usually thinking about outfits for the 'gram, hitting your go-to restaurants, indulging in food trucks, desserts, and local faves. Fitness gear tends to feel like dead weight in your bag, especially if you’re traveling with people who don’t prioritize wellness the same way you do.
But I’m here to tell you: it’s worth it.
Why It Matters
I recently took a trip to Atlanta, and let me tell you, I went in—soul food, BBQ, fried everything. This was my first time coming off my vegetarian journey, so my body was not used to that much butter, meat, or fried food. Within days, I noticed the shift:
My skin broke out
My clothes didn’t fit the same
I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror
I realized it had been three days without intentional movement. Yes, I was walking around, but walking while sightseeing isn’t the same as intentionally raising your heart rate and getting your blood flowing with a goal in mind. I felt it in my mood, energy, and body.
So I challenged myself:
Just run one mile.
It was hot. It was hilly. I had to walk part of it. But I finished.
The next day?
I aimed for two miles. I walked and ran, stopped a few times, but kept going.
By Day 5, I was up to 3 miles, running 40 minutes a day. My body started to tighten up, my skin started clearing, and I felt like myself again.
Not because I hit a number on a scale.
Not because I ran the whole time without stopping.
But because I showed up for myself—even when it was hard, even on vacation.
Make Space for What Matters
Here’s the thing: I always make space in my bag for my recording gear when I travel.
So why not make the same effort for my health?
Here’s a travel hack I use to stay consistent:
The 3 x 3 Rule
3 tops
3 bottoms
3 pairs of shoes
...plus accessories.
To save space, I pack my workout gear in my backpack—not my carry-on suitcase—so I can still have room for my day-to-day outfits.
Pack Smart, Plan Smarter
You may not have your usual washer/dryer setup.
You can hand wash workout clothes in the sink or tub with detergent and hang dry.
Check if your hotel offers laundry service, or search for a local laundromat nearby.
If it’s important, find a way to make it happen.
Keep Your Spirit in Motion
Staying physically active is just one part of it. Gratitude and mindfulness are just as essential—especially while traveling.
I try to meditate daily and take a few minutes each night to reflect and give thanks. Gratitude for the experiences, the safety, the people I met, the meals I ate, and the views I witnessed. That daily pause reminds me how blessed I am—and signals to God and the universe that I’m ready for more. It keeps the energy flowing in a positive direction, and more often than not, new doors keep opening when I do that.
Connect with the Community
Another huge part of traveling for me is networking with locals—especially creatives.
I make it a goal to connect with local music artists, photographers, and creatives in every city I visit. Not only does it expand my community and fuel collaboration, but it also allows my art to be seen by their audiences. That’s how I grow my fan base—not just digitally, but intentionally and authentically.
If you’re an artist, model, or entrepreneur traveling soon, I encourage you to set aside an extra $100–$300 for a quick creative collaboration. Pay a local photographer for a 30- to 60-minute shoot. You’d be surprised how much magic you can create in that short time—whether it’s content for your socials, album artwork, or just creative expression that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Memories and connections last forever.
Final Thoughts
This post isn’t just about workouts.
It’s about showing up for yourself, staying rooted in your purpose, and remaining open to connection—no matter where life takes you.
Don’t let your travel become an excuse to disconnect from your growth. Let it be a chance to realign. Stay active. Meditate. Collaborate. And give thanks for every single moment.
Don’t give up. The world needs you.
P.S. If you haven’t already, stream my new single MayDay — it’s the perfect song to run to, move through, and reset your pace. Whether you're on the trail or catching flights, let it carry you all the way through. 💽🏃🏾♀️💨