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Welcome to Nostalgic Travel Talks! I’m a former Spanish teacher turned travel advisor, passionate about curating unforgettable experiences. My expertise lies in European adventures (with a special love for Spain), cruising, and all-inclusive Caribbean getaways. I specialize in creating tailored trips for families, multi-generational groups, and teachers—whether they’re traveling solo, with colleagues, or leading student groups.
In this podcast, we celebrate the joy of travel, uncover hidden gems, share practical tips and tricks, and embrace the spirit of adventure. Each episode features inspiring conversations with fascinating guests from all walks of life as they share their unique travel stories, lessons, and favorite destinations. Whether you're planning your next getaway or simply love to dream about the possibilities, this is your place to explore the world from wherever you are.
Let’s embark on this journey together! 🌍✈️
Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. Ready for an adventure? Whether you're revisiting cherished moments or planning new escapades, Nostalgic Travel Talks is here to inspire your wanderlust. Let's take off. Hello, everybody, and welcome. We are here today with Denise Shoup from Orange Theory Fitness. And I thank you, Denise, for joining us on today's program. And I thought maybe you could share a little bit about your background and how you got involved with Orange Theory. Sure. I have actually been in fitness for a long time. I was actually trying to figure that out as I was driving home from work because I thought that would be a question, but it's probably like 30 years I've been teaching fitness. I got involved with Orange Theory initially as a member. They opened one where I'm from in Iowa, and a good friend of mine was a good like fitness friend was involved in it. So I'm like, I'm gonna go check this out. And the studio wasn't it still had dirt floors when I went in. And so I didn't know anything about it. And I signed up for unlimitedlimited. And then I ran into another friend that was going to be working there. And she said, Denise, you know that it's running, right? And I was like, yeah, which I didn't really like to run. I had back issues, blah, blah, blah. I'm like, eh, whatever. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work. And here I am. Now I work there. I love it. And so I was a member probably for, gosh, maybe a year or so before I started working there. Very cool. Okay. Well, that's, you know, I was, when I think back to my fitness journey, I had always joined a lot of ... I've probably been a member of a health club or another for probably all my adult life. One of the things that has always, up until I joined Orange Theory, is just the lack of follow-through for me. Yeah. That's why I'm so glad I found Orange Theory. And like from the beginning, it was like, this is exactly what I needed. And I'm a retired teacher. And as a teacher, one of the things that I love about Orange Theory is the analysis. Teachers have to see, they have to assess it and to know if it's working or not. Right. And that's the thing with Orange Theory, you've got the app and you can look and you can tell whether you're, you know, you can tell how hard you're working. You can't- Exactly. And that was the thing with the other fitness places. I could always cheat myself. And I always say, education is like the one area where people don't mind being cheated, you know? And it's sad, it's sad, but true. But you know, when you're working out and you wanna see results, this is a way you can definitely get those results. And the other great thing about Orange Theory is the fact that it's worldwide. And for me, that's a great connection between, you know, one of the things, and we talked about this before, one of the things when you go on vacation, it's so hard to stay on track with your fitness. And so that's why Orange Theory is just such a great, it's a great companion to have for me, at least. Absolutely. I agree. Yeah, definitely. And so I guess it goes without saying that, well, staying active while you're traveling is definitely an important thing. Do you travel a lot? I don't travel a lot. I actually just got back on a trip from Hawaii, which was my first trip. But I would say maybe like a vacation once a year, if not every other year. And then when I do travel, I travel home. I go home to Iowa. And I bet you take advantage of the Orange Theory classes. Absolutely. You are. Definitely. Definitely. What are some of the biggest challenges people face when they're trying to maintain their fitness routine on the road, do you think? I think possibly like kind of what you said, like if they're traveling, they don't know where to go or what to do. And with Orange Theory, of course, your membership travels with you. So if you're going somewhere where you can, you know, get to an Orange Theory, that's amazing. Maybe where they're going it has a hotel gym, but they're like, I don't know what to do in the hotel gym type thing. So just maybe, you know, thinking about what their plan is gonna be and take that regimen with them, whatever that may be. Yeah, definitely. And how can Orange Theory, how can people, how can they help travelers stay on track? Like you said that like if they're not, if there's not a studio and there's a hotel gym, is there anything that Orange Theory can do to help with that? So a couple things. Orange Theory in their app, I don't know if you've ever went this deep into the app, but they have at-home workouts. And there And you can choose if you want body weight or dumbbells. And if you're in the hotel gym or in a facility where you have weights, you could follow along with the app. Or if there isn't even a gym, you just have your hotel room, then you can use you and your body weight in your app and get your workout in. Of course, you can always take your heart rate monitor with you because you can sync your heart rate monitor up to your app and then you'll get the same, like, you know, get to see your orange spots and get to see your green zone just as if you were in the studio but you're working outside of the studio. So what you're saying is there's absolutely no excuses for when you go on vacation. Exactly. For you not to do workouts. Yep, no excuses. Covered, totally covered. Yes, yes. I'm wondering, I bet that really came in handy. Like I didn't join Orange Theory until after COVID, but I bet that was something that came in handy for people during the pandemic. Yes, during COVID we actually did live workouts. Well they weren't through the app. They had some on the app, but each individual studio would program live workouts. For instance, at the time, I was working at East at that time, and I believe it was every Saturday. There might have been another one during the week, but the one believe it was every Saturday. There might have been another one during the week but I the one I led was on on Saturday morning and we would you know send out on social media like what equipment you needed and it was basic equipment like a chair or if you didn't have hand weights you know you would find jugs of water or whatever the case whatever it was and then I would, I actually like coach the class. I was given the information right from Orange Theory, like, just like I would at the studio. I was given, given the class and then I just let it through that through an online portal. Oh, that's perfect. Okay. Yeah. Well, I'm, I'm just thankful that I found, cause I didn't know anything. I didn't really know a lot about orange theory and I think I must've gone past there or something. And I was like, I wonder what this is. And so, um, looked into it. And, and like I said, it was right after the pandemic. So I would have been covered either way if had I known about it at that time. Absolutely. Yep. Okay. That's great. Um, so what are your tips for maintaining good nutrition while traveling? So I would say like nutrition wise, obviously you're going on vacation, you want to have some fun, you're probably going to have some cocktails, you know, you're going to enjoy the dessert. But one thing that like my husband and I do a lot, or if I'm like we travel with another couple a lot, is we'll share meals. So you know, like get a meal and then just split it in half. Of course, if you're going to those tropical places, you know, grab the fresh fruit, get fill up on that fruit, right? But I do, I do, like I'm definitely a person that I work out so that I can splurge. So if you're on vacation and you're working out, then, you know, have the dessert, have the extra cocktail because you're still working out. You're still moving your body. Yeah, definitely. And that's part of the thing, like like what you said, it's moderation because I think a lot of us tend to overdo it. But yeah, yes. And you're not denying yourself. You're getting a chance to do that fun stuff, but you're not, you're just not going overboard, which is super important. And how about recovery? Like for example, let's say you work out a few times a week. What kind of, what, how important is recovery and what are some good ways that you can, as a traveler, that you can, like after a long flight or a busy day of sightseeing what are some things? Um number one just like basic stretches like you would see in a yoga class anything like your you know your down dog your child's pose I will tell you that one of the workouts that's in the app is like an active recovery, like yoga-ish class. So that, even just like going for a walk, just like getting yourself up and moving, anything that's gonna like move your body, but that isn't super strenuous would be ideal. One of the things I love about, like for example, I go to Europe a lot. Yes. One of the things I so much love is that after dinner we always go for a walk. Like the people that we, I have some friends that live there and we just, it's just so natural for them. Yeah. You know, just get up and go walking for, like sometimes, I want to say I haven't been there in about a year, but the last time I was there, it was like a, I think we took a one hour walk after we were out and just having, and being outside. So, yeah, exactly. Like that to me, that's the best thing for you. Right. I bet it helps with digestion as well. So yeah, eat your meal and then just a nice little recovery on the backside. Yeah, definitely. So, are there other ways that travelers can incorporate physical activity into their itineraries beyond a traditional workout? I think there's, depending on your, where you're going, lots of ways. I know when I, like for instance, like I said, I just went to Hawaii. We went on some very like not complicated or like aggressive hikes. We really enjoyed that. I think too, any more, wherever you travel, there's always different types of excursions that you can, you know, sign up for that include like, I remember one time I went zip lining and that was a whole other like, level of fitness that you're not used to, right? I think too, like a lot of cities that you go to, they have those bicycles, like, like, you know, like a bicycle ride. Um, if you're into water sports, I'm not, I'm not into water sports really, but I'm sure there's, you know, ways that you could stay active with water sports, but, you know, walk on the beach, all the good stuff. Yeah. So many. So it's like, you almost need to go on vacation. Yes. Fire mint. Yes, I agree. Fun stuff. Do you think there's any are there any particular destinations that you think that are great for fitness focused travelers? You know, I think it would depend on like what you're looking for, right, because I'm not a cold weather person, so you're not gonna catch me going somewhere cold to like go skiing, right? That's not my jam But I suppose if that you know Like skiing snowboarding if that's something you like that would be a different destination where like I would prefer a walk on the beach or something that's going to be outside in the sun and getting some good rays along the way. So I think it depends on what you're looking for. Or you know what, maybe you're ready to try something new. You want to try something new and so then you seek out that destination so that you can try a new adventure. Okay, great advice. try a new adventure. Mm-hmm okay great advice. Okay so have you ever had a travel experience where you had to get creative with your workouts? Um I feel like not that I can think of, I usually always either like head to the gym, go to Orange Theory. I, one vacation we were in Mexico and we tried, it wasn't necessarily being creative, but we tried, you know, those like paddle boards, but it's like a paddle board, but it's not you. It's literally you're in the water and you're all hooked up to each other and you're balancing on that and doing like a fitness routine. Oh, wow. That was, yes. It was a little, it was fun. But just like sometimes too, I feel like when you're on vacation, maybe you like think outside of the box and try things that you don't have at home. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. Exactly. And that makes it memorable too. That makes it something you're never going to forget. Let's see. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start prioritizing fitness while traveling but doesn't know where to begin? I think just like in your everyday life, like making that commitment, number one. And then if you're a planner, which I'm, when I go on vacation, I'm not a big planner, but you know, I have a general idea. Like, how are you going to fit your workouts in? Like you, if you have a big day or going to Disney or something, you're not going to need a workout, right? You're going to get your head million steps in. But if it's a day where you're just planning on chilling, you know what, sleep in a little bit, make that trip to the gym. Like it's just planning and being committed to to the process. Right. Just like if you were at home. OK, great advice. Well, I have some rapid fire questions I want to ask you. Let's see what it is. OK. And these are all like travel and fitness related. Perfect. OK, first one, window or aisle seat window. OK, you're my kind of girl, that's me. I can see what's going on. Shade down. Yeah, I would say shade, I like the shade up. Me too. If my husband's next to me, he's like, will you put the shade down? I like to see where I'm going, even if- Me too. Even if you can't, you can't see a lot. And it's been a while since I've seen this on a plane, but I remember being on a plane a long, long time ago. And you know how they have the cameras, like usually on the long haul flights where you can see, like I know that they usually like show you the map. Oh yeah. Well, this particular flight had a camera so you could see the captain's point of view. Oh wow. So you could see everywhere. All around the ship. That's super cool. Yeah, I've never seen that. I haven't seen it since, but I always wanted to have that again. Yeah, that's cool. Let's see, hotel gym or outdoor workout? I'm gonna say it depends, because I've been to some hotels that have really nice gyms. So I would probably pick that. But if it's a yucky gym, then I'd be like, OK, let's go outside. Yeah, for sure. What's your go to airport snack? This is bad. Probably like candy. I like, like a hot tamale or something that's not good for me. Uh huh. But you know what? Earned it because you were, you earned it. Yeah. Favorite city for a long walk or run? You know what? Let's go with... I'm gonna go with home, right? It's home. I'm walking around, it's Ankeny, Iowa. That's where I'm from. I go home and it's really green and the weather's nice. I would say home. It's my best, yeah. And that's in Iowa, you said? Iowa. Yep. OK, well. I have to say, I have you done the Whitney Mesa. And for those of you that are old, we're here in Vegas in the Vegas area, the Whitney Mesa Recreational Trail, or I don't know. It's right down from the studio kind of right. Is that the one you're talking about? Yes. Yes, I have. We I did that during COVID a lot. I know it is nice. I love it. And for those of you that haven't anybody who hasn't been there. What I love about it is like when you get to the top of the of the mesa, how you can get all around and see the valley and then there's always, we're right in that flight path. So you can see all the birds flying over you. Yeah, that is, that, you know what? I discovered that during COVID. That is, that is really nice. Yeah. My absolute hands down favorite trail. Yeah. Let's see, morning workout or evening workout? Morning for sure. Yes. We are- My body doesn't work in the evening. We have a lot in common because not only that, I just want to get it over with. Exactly, I'll make too many excuses. Absolutely, like today, for example, that workout was. That was a tough one. And I remember. It's freaky. Yes, cause I did, and I did the earlier, this is the second time of the month, right? Yes, because I did and I did the earlier, this is the second time of the month, right? Yes, yes. I remember doing it before, but today it just took me. Yeah, it was very sneaky. Yeah, I almost, I was just like, please, please stop. I almost had to beg for mercy. I just felt really bad. Let's see, do you have a bucket list fitness experience like running a marathon in another country, yoga on the beach or something of that nature? I would say probably like just going to as many different Orange Theories as possible. I haven't been to any outside of the US, so that was something I would really like to do. But every time I travel, I do try to hit Orange Theory if I can, because it's just nice to learn from other studios, other coaches and just see like, hmm, what what are they doing that maybe I could do? So probably, yeah, I tried just to hit up as many orange theories as possible. Very cool, okay. I wanna do that too. Like I mentioned, I went to Spain last year and I tried so hard to get to an orange theory and it just didn't work out. And I didn't pressure myself or make my, I didn't feel bad about it. Cause the first thing is you gotta enjoy your vacation. Yes. And I, and it was right around the corner, but it's just the timing didn't work. And like you said, when you're on vacation, a lot of times you're doing so much walking and all of those things. it worked out, but that is my goal too. I want to see, especially, you know, I'm a, as a, I'm a retired Spanish teacher. And so, oh, perfect. Yeah. Yeah. I just wanted to do the workout and, and just, and, and especially, and that's the other thing is that, you know, you're familiar, you understand the pattern. Yes. So, you know, you can take advantage of that as well. Yes, absolutely. Yeah. So, that's always cool. What's your best post-workout travel meal? Best post-workout travel meal? Hmm. Definitely protein, something with protein. So if you are out and about, maybe you find a cool little shop that you can find like a protein shake. If I'm somewhere where like I'm at a hotel, like I'll always, I usually try to keep my fridge stocked with like high protein yogurt. That's something I can eat quick. And that way I'm not famished until I get to my meal. But yeah, I think if I'm like traveling somewhere, I'm going to look for the closest like cool local shop that I can get a protein shake from. Okay, good advice. And this is one last question. And for me is so important. One song that always pumps you up at a workout. I'm gonna say anything pink. I love pink. Oh, okay. Yeah. If it's pink, I'm jammed. I'm ready to go. Okay, cool. Cause I mean, that's the other thing. I love the music that you guys play at Orange Theory. Yeah, it's always good. And sometimes, and it's so funny, like, I'll walk a listen up, you know, I'll be listening to it. And I just want to sing along. And, and it's fun to watch other people sometimes when they really get into it. Yeah. For sure. Yeah. Do you know what you can play it because it's explicit, but Dreams and Nightmares. Dreams and Nightmares. Okay, I'll have to look it up. Don't judge me. It does it. It works. Dreams and Nightmares. There you go. Hey. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to talk about fitness and health. I know you're time to talk about fitness and travel, both very important things for all over health. Yes, for sure. It was fun. Yeah, definitely. And I will see you at the gym. Awesome. Thank you so much. Thank you for tuning in to Nostalgic Travel Talks. I hope today's episode inspired you to dive deeper into your next journey. If you enjoyed our conversation, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. It really helps others discover the show. And if you want even more insider tips, exclusive travel deals, and personal stories, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Just head over to my website, nostalgictravelco.com and hit subscribe. Until next time, keep exploring Until next time, keep exploring and keep making those unforgettable travel memories.