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London: Primrose Hill

Just a few steps north of our normal running route in Regent’s Park lies a quaint neighborhood, Primrose Hill.  Reminiscent of the West Village or a small, British countryside town, the neighborhood of Primrose Hill includes just 3 postcode districts.

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The high street is only a few blocks, far shorter than the Marylebone High Street a few steps from our flat. Due to the narrow streets, Primrose Hill felt far more quaint. In addition, we noticed that the high street, while filled with busting businesses, it didn’t seem to have any chain shops or restaurants which was quite refreshing.  We meandered along, sneaking peaks into the bakeries, flower shops, bookstores, small shops, and even a hot yoga studio for a half hour this morning after our run.

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We couldn’t leave the area without walking up the namesake, Primrose Hill. A 250 foot hill overlooking Central London, this high point was used this morning by many a runner completing hill repeats and tourists taking in the breathtaking view.

022Primrose Hill definitely deserves another visit, maybe for a relaxed Saturday morning brunch or dinner when my parents are in London this month.

If you’re in London for more than a day or two, a visit to this neighborhood is more than worth the trip. Grab a coffee and enjoy a stroll through the local shops before exploring Regent’s Park or the London Zoo.

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Hotel Room Workouts

Good afternoon! I’m in London again this weekend which means another long run with friends, a lunch date with Casey, trying out a new spin studio, and plenty of sleep. It took all week for us to recover from the horrible food poisoning! Thankfully I woke up today feeling 100% and was able to get a lot of work done from our London flat as I had plenty to catch up on after a sick day and three days of travel. Do you all have any fun plans for the weekend?

Speaking of travel, thanks for all your feedback on Wednesday’s debate post about corporate travel policies and hotel gyms. As I said on Twitter yesterday, I am thankful for a world where readers and bloggers can debate and learn from each other and our differences!

One of the things that came out loud and clear in the comments, whether via Twitter, Facebook or the blog were that many people believe in the power of hotel room workouts and the ability to burn calories in your hotel room. Hotel room workouts come in handy especially when hotels either don’t have a gym or the gym has restricted hours. Thursday morning I did my quick 15 minute hotel room workout as the gym didn’t open until 7am.

15 minute hotel room workout from @Ashley Diamond #workout #hotelroomworkout

In order to help you guys out the next time you need a workout you can do in the comfort of your home or hotel room, I created a Hotel Room Workout Pinterest board. It features over 33 different workouts from across the web which you can do with absolutely no equipment. It’s a mix of workouts that you’ve possibly seen from bloggers like Gina, Julie, and Tina along with some that I discovered via Google. One of them, The 99, is so intense it’s more than an hour and is guaranteed to leave you sore the next day! Follow the board for constant inspiration as I’m going to continue adding new workouts from bloggers and fitness magazines as I see them!

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Do you have a go to “do anywhere” workout that you use when you’re stuck at home or in a hotel?

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Debate: My Company Doesn’t Pay for Hotel Gyms

Greetings from Rome!!

If you follow me on social media you may have seen pictures of the sights I visited last night with a gracious co-worker.

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She not only guided us to the Trevi Fountain but also a delicious dinner spot which will receive a dedicated post because it was amazing and a local spot! Win, win in my book.

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Today during lunch with some colleagues and media partners we started talking about travel routines. I mentioned that I do my best to keep a similar workout routine when traveling which sometimes includes running outside in new cities, hotel gyms or if a else fails, hotel room workouts.

Two women stated that they didn’t want to workout at the hotel gym as it’s 25 euros and their company won’t cover the cost. As our hotel isn’t situated in a well lit or pedestrian friendly area running or walking outside is also difficult. I couldn’t help but challenge their company’s policy to not cover gym costs during travel.

Now, I know that I am blessed to work for an incredible company which often puts the employees first. But, when merely looking at the economics of this policy I believe that we as people who do not want to sacrifice health during business travel have a strong debate or point to make. Why can’t we choose how to spend our travel budget allocation?

When entertaining clients or at a company dinner, would your company pay for you to have a few cocktails or appetizer with dinner? Would your company pay for internet in order for you to do work in your hotel room? Would they pay the baggage few to check a bag?

If the answers to any of the above are yes, then shouldn’t they be willing to pay for you to use a hotel gym if they choose a hotel or conference facility which charges? Aren’t you more focused during the day if you feel good? Aren’t you more energized after a workout?

I’m not trying to be controversial here or make people question their company. I’m just opening the floor up for debate and input because I’m genuinely curious.

I’d love your input or thoughts based on your experience with your company or others!

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