When we filmed today's segment, I thought that there would be no way that an in-room workout could come close to a "proper" work-out in the hotel gym. Hobbling around for three days after Libby's lesson, the truth became painfully clear to me - it is truly amazing what you can do in a short, focused work-out in your hotel room.

I highly recommend purchasing the equipment we used. It was easy to figure out, cheap to buy and is compact enough to tuck into a suitcase. Check out Libby's blog for information on where to buy it.

If you are a road warrior anxious to keep the pounds off and the heart rate up, here are some additional tips to keep you on track:

  • Ask about the fitness facilities in advance. When making your room reservation, ask the agent exactly what equipment the hotel has in its gym. The fully out-fitted health club you imagine, with dozens of treadmills, yoga classes and a gorgeous personal trainer could turn out to be a solitary rowing machine tucked into an old photocopy room. Nothing is more un-motivating than a lack of good equipment.
  • Choose a hotel that promotes fitness. The Westin hotel chain has a running concierge program where one of the staff will take you on an early morning jog in the local area. Sign up when you check-in. A written commitment will make it harder for you to hit the snooze button. www.westin.com
  • Hit a local gym. If you just can't find accommodation that suits both your business and health needs, then look outside the hotel. Just ask your concierge for a recommendation for a nearby gym or health class that offers a day pass.
  • Stay near a park, along a river or next to a lake. These natural running routes are a great way to combine fitness with a little sightseeing. I always stay at the Park Lane Hotel in London. Situated next to Hyde Park, it allows me to squeeze in a half-hour run and catch a glimpse of some of London's most famous landmarks at the same time.
  • Bring your favourite workout DVD with you. Even if the hotel doesn't offer DVD players in the guest rooms, just pop it into your laptop. Or even upload your favourite work out program onto a PDA before you leave home. A road warrior friend of mine is fanatical about yoga and swears by the programs offered at myyogaonline.com.