When on the road for business, the last thing on your mind is probably fitness. You’ve got meetings to attend, a tradeshow booth to watch and a boss to keep happy. And there’s no worse buzz kill than coming back to the hotel, tired from the long workday, only to be faced with your regular, boring workout. You’re traveling and away from your everyday life, so why should your workout be exactly the same as usual? Use the time away from home as an opportunity to mix things up!

While Erin has already given you the 411 on packing for fitness, we’ve done some thinking outside of the box to compile a list of fitness equipment that you can pack for your trip. This top 10 goes beyond the normal resistance bands, jump rope, pedometer and running shoes-in fact, it’s probably 10 items that you didn’t even know existed. Take one, two, three or even all of the items on the below list to keep things fresh and fun while working out on the road. And heck, you might love them so much that they become your new favorites at home, too!

Get to Packin’

1. Get Your Glide On. Functional training that really works your core and helps you to perform everyday tasks (think carrying groceries, going up stairs, playing with your kids in the yard) is all the rage these days. Investing in these gliding discs is totally worth it, as they take up no room in your suitcase and can give you a strength, cardio and core workout on either a carpeted or hardwood floor. You can stand on these discs and slide back and forth in a ski-like fashion, you can do push-ups with your hands or feet on them, you can do mountain-climbers with them on your feet…the possibilities are endless! And if you don’t want to invest the $25 for the official gliding discs, pack along two paper plates. They work almost as well, and, heck, in a pinch, you can eat off of them later (well, as long as you don’t sweat too much on them and if you don’t touch them with your shoes). Talk about going green!

2. Slide Away. Maybe you want to do more than just glide; if you want to slide, then you may want to invest in a portable slide board. This board simulates speed skating, rollerblading or ice skating. Sliding is great cardio exercise and works the hard-to-reach inner and outer thighs. Plus, it’s so much fun that it makes you feel like a kid again!

3. Total Suspension. Suspension-training systems, such as the TRX, are like having a full gym away from your regular gym. Composed of what just looks like fancy straps, this deceptively simple-looking piece of equipment anchors to the back of any door (I like to use the bathroom door, as it usually gives me a better view of whatever I’m watching on TV) and then through different strap positions and lengths, you can do squats, lunges, chest presses, planks, rows, shoulder raises-the list goes on and on. And the best part is that it all fits in a pouch that you can easily throw in a big purse or carry-on. The fitness opportunities are endless!

4. Play Ball. Okay, so you can’t exactly pack a blown-up full-size stability ball, but you can pack a deflated one (only if you’re okay with leaving it in the hotel room, as it’s darn near impossible to get the air out of one and repack for your journey home). Or you can bring a mini ball. You can’t sit or lie on it like you can a big stability ball, but you can use the mini ball to assist your stretching, and it adds a new layer of difficulty to many Pilates strength moves such as the bridge, the hundred and loads of abs moves. And if you’re looking to work the glutes, try squats or pliés while squeezing the ball between your legs. You’ll feel the burn for sure!

5. Pop in a DVD. When traveling for business, most of us are lugging a laptop around. But don’t just use that computer for business-let it help your fitness routine by playing your favorite workout DVDs on it. Bring DVDs-yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, cardio dance, core training-that require nothing but your body weight and get to sweatin’! I’ll even take a multiple CD carrying case, fill it with 20 workout DVDs and then have a whole workout DVD collection to choose from!

6. Kick It. If you love the water, consider investing in a kickboard! They’re small enough to pack and light enough to not put you over the airline’s luggage weight limit. Then, once you’re in the pool (don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!), do a few freestyle laps, followed by “kicking” from end to end of the pool. It’s a great workout, and the water feels particularly good after a long business travel day on your feet. Plus, after the workout, you can easily hit the hot tub to relax!

7. Get Sporty. Sports teams’ coaches and athletes are pros at finding simple fitness tools that are both effective and easy to transport. A soccer player’s agility ladder or a basketball player’s agility dots are perfect examples of this. If you play on a sports team at home and have trouble finding the motivation to stay fit on the road without your teammates, check out these sports-specific training tools. Jumping side-to-side up and down the agility ladder or hopping on a sequence of dots can get you focused on your next game and make you less likely to skip your typical boring on-the-road treadmill workout.

8. Wobble Around. If you’re a big fan of the Bosu Ball, try packing a similar in concept, but smaller Versadisc the next time you travel. The small, nubby discs won’t slide around on the floor, but if you lunge, squat or do push-ups on them, they will activate your core more because they get you slightly off balance. Extra bonus: Not only do they fit in your luggage, they’re also a lot cheaper than a Bosu ball!

9. Rev the Upper Body. So many on-the-road-ready products target your legs, but sometimes, after a long day on the tradeshow floor, your legs are the last part of your body that needs exercise. If that’s the case for you more often than not, consider an upper-body strength and cardio-specific piece of equipment such as the BodyRev. This ergonomic upper-body spinning system is kind of like a portable bicycle for your arms. The price tag is a little high, but, hey, no price is too high for chiseled arms, right?

10. Give Yourself a Break. Every good workout needs a cool down, even if you’re pressed for time on the road. That’s why this final piece of unusual fitness equipment is all about stretching and relaxation. Pack a tennis ball, even an old one, the next time you travel. At the end of the day, roll the ball under the arches of your feet to release any tension (especially if you’ve been on your feet a lot), and then roll the ball into your quads and calves for a self-massage. Lastly, lie on the floor with the ball under your back as you slowly move your back from side to side to get a gentle massage. It’s cheaper than cheap, easy to pack and works!

Next time you’re packing for a business trip and want something to do to stay in shape-while breaking out of the usual traveling fitness rut-try these fun pieces of equipment. And please, tell us in the comments about your favorite must-pack fitness items!

Embassy Suites Hotels does not officially endorse the use of any fitness equipment. Our goal is to provide general information on exercise, fitness and health and this column is not intended to be a substitute for individual medial care. Please consult a physician before using any fitness equipment or engaging in physical activity.