The suitcase gym -- pack it up, work it out

With food stops dominating many itineraries, it’s common for vacationers to return home with an unwanted souvenir -- several extra pounds around the midsection. Here then, is some of the best suitcase-friendly gear to help you stay on your fitness track, no matter how far you are from home.   

FitFlop footwear

It’s almost guaranteed that when you travel you're gonna walk -- to monuments and museums, up ancient steps, down bustling streets. Make the most of each step with FitFlops. Hailed as “footwear with a gym built in,” these patent-pending, Oprah-endorsed slip-ons are designed to tone your thighs, calves and glutes as you stroll. Many wearers say they feel a slight burn (the good kind) and those who don’t at least say they’re comfy. The company recently introduced styles that less evoke soccer mom than those of its debut sandal collection. (from $49.95, see www.fitflop.com for retailers)

AquaBells are good for a quick lift.

The concept is simple, yet genius. When you’re ready for a workout, fill these plastic weights with water, slide them onto the lightweight dumbbell bar and voila! You’re ready to pump some iron, er, H2O. When you’re done, empty ‘em, flatten ‘em and pack ‘em in your suitcase. (US$49.95 for a dumbbell set, $29.95 for an ankle weight set, www.aquabells.com) 

Downloadable workouts

A number of fitness sites offer complete workout videos that you can download straight to your portable media player, such as an iPod, iPhone, Zune or Blackberry. Choose from titles like “Scrawny to Brawny,” “Lean & Fit in 7 Minutes” and “Butt and Thighs I & II." Most downloads are free or less than two bucks.

TRX Suspension Training Door Anchor

With this sturdy fitness device, you can get a knockout workout anywhere there’s a door. Just don’t get knocked out -- make sure to hang up the included “Workout In Progress” safety card. Instructional DVDs sold separately. (US$24.95, www.fitnessanywhere.com)