Hello fellow travellers! Ready to transform your travel experience?
If you’re like me, your heart races at the thought of exploring new places. But let’s be real—staying fit and feeling your best while on the move can be a real challenge. The last thing you want is to feel that nagging pain or achy back bother you while exploring a new place. Today, I’m excited to share some simple tips to keep you energized and in top shape, no matter where your travels take you. Ready? This is your go-to guide for feeling your best on the go,
Why Exercise Matters When You Travel
First, let’s talk about why exercising while travelling is so crucial. It’s easy to let our fitness routines slide when we’re on vacation. After all, we’re out of our usual environment, and our schedules can be unpredictable. However, staying active is essential for several reasons:
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- Maintaining Energy Levels: Exercise helps you feel more energetic and ready to tackle your day, no matter where you are.
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- Preventing Stiffness: Long flights or car rides can leave you feeling stiff and sore. Exercise helps keep your muscles and joints flexible.
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- Reducing Stress: Traveling can be stressful, whether it’s dealing with airports or navigating unfamiliar places. Exercise is a fantastic stress-buster.
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- Improving Sleep: Keeping up with your workout routine can help you sleep better, which is especially important when adjusting to new time zones.
Why Pilates Is Perfect for Travellers
Now, let’s dive into why Pilates is an excellent choice for maintaining your fitness routine while travelling. Pilates focuses on controlled movements, core strength, and flexibility—all of which are perfect for keeping you feeling great on the road. Here are some specific benefits of Pilates for travellers:
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- Minimal Equipment: You don’t need a lot of gear for Pilates. A travel-friendly yoga mat (or skip the mat altogether!) and a resistance band can easily fit in your suitcase.
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- Small Space Workouts: You can do Pilates in a small space, like your hotel room, making it a convenient option to do anywhere.
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- Core Strength: Pilates strengthens your core, which can help reduce back pain from sitting for long periods.
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- Mind-Body Connection: Pilates encourages mindfulness and deep breathing, which can help reduce travel-related stress. As a nervous flier, this is something I especially appreciate!
Click below to watch the ultimate travel-friendly Pilates class on YouTube. Take this class wherever your travels take you!
The Unique Benefits of Pilates
Pilates offers a range of unique benefits making it an exceptional choice for people of all ages, but especially for women over 60. Here’s why:
1. Accessibility
Pilates is highly accessible. This is one of the reasons why I fell in love with Pilates. I didn’t need bulky equipment or a gym membership. A simple mat and a few small props are all you need. This makes it easy to practice anywhere, from your living room to a hotel room to the beachside. For women who travel frequently, this is a game-changer.
2. Reduces Painful Movements
We all want to feel our best on vacation, free from pain! Many of us suffer from chronic pain, especially as we age. Pilates focuses on gentle, controlled movements that strengthen muscles without straining them. It helps improve posture, balance, and flexibility, which can alleviate pain and prevent injuries.
3. Boosts Mental Health
Pilates isn’t just about physical fitness but also a moving meditation. It emphasizes the mind-body connection and brings you back to the present moment through your breath. The controlled breathing and mindful movements help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be particularly beneficial when you’re out of your usual routine and dealing with the stresses of travel.
4. Why Women Over 60 Love Pilates
Pilates is especially popular among women over 60, and for good reason. As we age, maintaining muscle mass and bone density becomes more important. Pilates helps in building lean muscle and strengthening bones without the high impact of some other exercises.
Additionally, the focus on core strength and balance can help prevent falls, a common concern for older adults. But most importantly, Pilates helps women feel strong, capable, and confident in their bodies. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about empowerment.
Best Practices for Exercising While Traveling
To help you stay active and healthy on your travels, here are some best practices to follow:
1. Plan Ahead
Before you leave, research your destination to see what kind of exercise options are available. Does your hotel have a fitness center? Are there nearby parks or walking trails? Planning ahead can help you stay committed to your fitness routine.
2. Pack Smart
Bring the essentials you need for your workouts. For Pilates, a towel can be used instead of a mat, light resistance bands, and comfortable workout clothes. These items won’t take up much space in your luggage, and they’ll ensure you’re ready to exercise wherever you are.
3. Stay Flexible with Your Schedule
Travel plans can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible with your workout schedule. Aim for shorter, more frequent sessions rather than long workouts. Even a 15-minute Pilates routine can make a big difference.
4. Make Use of Technology
There are plenty of fitness apps and online resources available to help you stay on track. Find some Pilates routines you can follow along with on your phone or tablet. This way, you have a virtual instructor guiding you through your exercises. Feel free to check out my New YouTube video – Pilates on the Go. A simple standing-only Pilates routine you can do anywhere without any props.
Travelling doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fitness routine. By incorporating Pilates into your travel plans, you can stay active, reduce stress, and feel great no matter where your adventures take you. Remember to plan ahead, pack smart, stay flexible with your schedule, and make use of technology. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to staying fit and healthy on the go.
So, next time you’re packing your bags, don’t forget to include your Pilates gear. Your body and mind will thank you. Safe travels and happy exercising!
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Christine Kirkland is a certified Pilates Instructor helping women embrace low impact Pilates classes to build muscles mass, balance and flexibility. Check out her Online Pilates Studio here.
