My Holiday Packing List

As the summer holidays approach, I thought it a good time to suggest some props to consider taking on holiday with you.  Long haul flights, car journeys, different beds and pillows, sun loungers can all play havoc with your spine, so it’s always a good idea to have a couple of tools on hand to help.

What Pilates accessories do I always travel with?

• Medium strength spikey ball – for the soles of my feet and if I feel any knots developing elsewhere after travelling. ·      

• Little ball – for getting into the knottier parts of my feet.

• Medium strength resistance band

These three items are non-negotiable.  They are small, lightweight and very easy to pack even into a carry on bag.

I use the balls predominantly on my feet (and if you’ve been in the studio with me you will no doubt have used the balls on your feet too).  I find my feet suffer in foreign countries for several reasons:

• My routine changes so I could be walking more or less on a daily basis, depending on the type of holiday I’m on.  Both increasing and decreasing my daily steps has an impact on my body.

• In hot countries, the floors tend to be tiled rather than carpeted and this also has an impact under foot.

•   I wear different footwear on holiday – sandals, flip flops (all with arch support! But even still this impacts my usual gait).

I use the resistance band for all sorts - hamstring stretches, leg circles, frogs legs, assisted roll ups, arm exercises, shoulder rolls…. the list goes on.

I don’t pack a mat as it’s heavy and not easily transportable.  If there is no gym space at the hotel or place I’m staying, instead of a mat I use a towel on a rug/carpet, and if no rug available grab sun bed cushions, other slimline cushions, layer up the towels – anything to make lying on the floor more comfortable.   Some hotel rooms are compact, so use the balcony, but I have no shame stretching and moving by the pool. 

If I’m travelling by car and have the space, then I may also pack these items:

·       My own pillow – I have a Tempur Cloud pillow

·       My shakti mat (bed of nails)

·       Half-roller  – and as it is hollow you can stuff underwear inside it so it doesn’t take up so much space.

Have a look around at home to see what props and tools you use and assess whether they are portable for your holidays.  On my links page are all the items I use in the studio,  or just drop me a line to discuss the best items for you.  Happy holidays!