Are you getting away this summer?
Whether you’re taking a short trek, a long road trip, or an international flight, you can take your Pilates practice with you.
We’ll explore the best Pilates props for traveling so you can keep your body in the Pilates flow, even if you can’t find a studio wherever your journey takes you.
Easily Transportable Pilates Props for Traveling
Of course, nothing beats an actual Pilates class working on the mat or the reformer with an experienced instructor. But if you travel, you may not have that option. Or there simply isn’t enough time to seek this out.
Fortunately, there are Pilates props that you can easily toss in a travel bag that will help your body relax and revive while you’re on the go:
1. Therabands
Therabands are the ultimate easy travel prop. They lie flat to fit conveniently in your luggage. They’re available in both latex and latex-free options and come in different resistances. Therabands mimic the resistance you would find on a reformer machine. You can use them to add tension, challenge, and support to mat exercises that you do on the floor of your hotel room or vacation rental property. They’re especially good for mobilizing your ankles and feet – a big plus if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.
2. Pilates Overball
While the Pilates Overball is typically around seven to ten inches in diameter, it can be easily deflated to fit flat into your luggage. The Overball is often used to enhance Pilates workouts by adding instability and encouraging stabilizing muscle engagement. It’s also terrific for core work and activating the inner thigh and pelvic muscles. One of the biggest benefits of having an Overball on your travels is using it under your thoracic spine to open your chest and/or under your pelvis for stabilization. It’ll help you feel more open after you’ve had to sit for long amounts of time in a car or on a plane.
3. Parasetter Minis
If you haven’t worked with Parasetter Minis, they’re small, resilient, and completely portable foam platforms designed to improve foot mobility, balance, and stability in Pilates workouts. Used in pairs, they strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and facilitate core-focused movement to help target foot pain, such as plantar fasciitis. This is particularly helpful if your travels require a lot of walking and you need something to stretch your calves, ankles, and feet.
4. Magic Circle
Okay, so the magic circle might take up more space than desirable if you’re taking a flight. But this 15-inch, flexible, rubberized ring with padded handles could easily be tossed in the back of the car. Designed by Joseph Pilates, the magic circle adds resistance to exercises to increase muscle tone and core strength. It also provides feedback as to whether you’re staying in alignment to enhance body awareness and improve posture. All necessary components for keeping the body in shape while traveling.
5. Tennis Ball
Finally, we have the tennis ball – probably the simplest of all the ‘props’ listed here. They’re inexpensive and simple to pack. Plus, you can use it for self-myofascial release (SMR) to target tension points, boost circulation, and increase flexibility. All very needed when you’re on the road (or in the air). You simply place the ball under sore muscles while lying or sitting on a mat. Then use body weight to apply pressure to those stiff areas for 20-30 seconds. Be sure to breathe deeply to allow the muscles to relax.
Take Your Pilates with You!
Traveling is hard on the body. And vacations are often a surefire way to exacerbate stiffness and soreness because you fall out of your routine.
So rather than coming back from vacation feeling tight and out of shape, invest in a few Pilates props for traveling. You’ll be so glad you did.
And if you’re curious about the most optimal movements to do on your travels, contact us today to learn about our classes. Our experienced teachers will advise you on the best mat exercises you can take with you on your journey.