Twelve years ago in a precursor to Talking Travel, I interviewed fitness expert Joey Thurman for a Training Tips For Travelers blog. With Talking Travel launched, it was time to revisit Thurman.

Chicago-based health, fitness and nutrition expert Thurman was named the best trainer in Chicago by Chicago Sun Times in 2015. Also recognized as a top celebrity trainer, he has appeared on several television shows and in many publications. He is also the author of two books, both of which give excellent practical advice and are on my bookshelf.

After starting our interview with a little background information, Thurman discussed his battle with depression and how exercise helps. I appreciate his openness to help remove the stigma and bring more awareness to mental health.

A frequent traveler, Thurman knows all about the challenge of maintaining a fitness routine on the road. Adjustments are needed depending on situations, but he provided enough tips to cover all.

As someone who works out regularly and wants to do so while traveling, I learned several things from Thurman. One example is his thought on push-ups. He made perfect sense, but I never thought of it that way.

I appreciate Thurman for his realistic approach. Likewise, his books, The Minimum Method and 365 Health & Fitness Hacks, contain easy-to-follow tips for everyone from novice to master. As he described, both are sort of buffets from which readers can make a unique workable routine. Although he trains big-name celebrities and athletes, Thurman’s methods can be used by all.

I finished by teasing him a bit about his fandom of the Green Bay Packers. His sensible and humorous response was such a microcosm of the man and an example of why he is successful.

Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.

— John Wroblewski, online writer