Part 3: Equipment For The Road
This is the conclusion of the “Pilates On Vacation” series. The first installment showed how to find a teacher while traveling locally or abroad. The second part taught things to look for and questions to ask when researching a new teacher and/or studio. If you can’t find a teacher or studio where you are going, then this last segment is going to touch on equipment that is travel friendly and some additional resources that can help you continue your Pilates practice.
One of the many advantages with Pilates is that there is mat work which obviously doesn’t involve equipment at all. You don’t even have to have a mat. If you have enough room, you can get down on the floor (or place a towel on the floor as a mat). For students with mobility issues, you could even stay in bed rather than get down on the floor.
When it comes to equipment, a theraband is easy to take on the road. It offers resistance but is light (unlike packing hand or leg weights). A theraband doesn’t take up much room and can easily slip into a suitcase or bag.
Another option is a Fletcher® towel. This is also light and flexible so it could be adapted while packing. The bulk would be like adding another piece of clothing. Rather than having a preset resistance like a theraband the towel doesn’t have much give. The Fletcher® towel meets students where they are at and offers continued appropriate resistance as they get stronger.
Yamuna® balls are also excellent for traveling. The Yamuna® balls (with the exception of the small black, clear sea and blue ones), deflate and reinflate. This makes the balls easy and light to pack. Though Yamuna® is technically not Pilates and is a modality of it’s own, in terms of equipment that is travel friendly, it is worth mentioning.
Lastly, if you weren’t able to find a teacher at your vacation destination, there are a number of videos and subscriptions that offer classes. Though this is not ideal for beginning your Pilates journey, if you have had instruction in the method and your goal is fitness (no series health issues, injuries or special needs etc.) then this is a great supplemental option.
There are several subscription options available but the main one is Pilates Anytime (for those that like Yoga there is also a Yoga Anytime spinoff). Pilates Anytime has thousands of videos with a variety of levels, styles and master teachers to choose from. They generally have a free 15 day trial, so vacation might be the perfect time for you to test it out.
This series has addressed a number of topics that should make it easy for you to stay in shape over the summer. From where to find qualified teachers and what to ask them to what equipment to pack if your journeys take to more exotic locales, you are covered so you can stay strong and feeling your best wherever the road leads you.