Keeping it Real with Mike Borkowski

Q: Welcome to Keeping it Real. Tell us about yourself?

A: My name is Mike Borkowski, [and] I am a personal trainer and owner of Montgomery Health and Fitness in Norristown, Pa.

Q: What's your advice for people with regular exercise routines who go on vacation?

A: I tell them to go out and do everything they want to - eating, sleeping late, and MAYBE exercise a couple of times. Also, depending on the person, I tell them to do something completely different such as hiking.

Q: How about in terms of diet? Is it OK to take a break from a healthy diet?

A: [Yes]. I tell them to eat out [of] the ordinary things like dessert, so they don't deprive their bodies all the time. After all, you are on vacation from your everyday routine.

Q: What exercises do you suggest for people traveling by car? What exercises can people do in hotel rooms?

A: When traveling by car, get out every two hours, walk around and stretch for 10 minutes. In a hotel room, you can do dips on the chairs, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges.

Q: What advice can you offer on lodging for people who want to work out while on vacation?

A: Some hotels claim to have gyms, and then you get there and they have a 1940s rusted machine. Ask what type of equipment they have.

Q: What effect can interrupting your routine have on your body?

A: It can have a positive effect. Your body needs to rest every so often. Many people come back recharged and feel stronger after taking off.

Q: What tips do you have for people who do take a break and need to get back into their exercise and diet routines?

A: Take it easy the first time in and do plenty of warm-up exercises so you don't get hurt.

Q: What is your workout regimen?

A: I like to lift weights four to five times per week with some cardio worked in.

— Regina Medina