Summer vacation season is in full swing, with many taking time off to travel, spend more time with family, connect with nature, or simply recharge. While vacation may mean taking a break from your normal day-to-day life, it doesn’t mean your Pilates practice has to be put on hold. In fact, adding in a bit of extra movement can level up a great vacation and make it even more fulfilling.

Thankfully it’s now easier than ever to maintain your Pilates practice while away from your go-to studio. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or hanging out in the wild, you can do Pilates just about anywhere. Here are a few ways you can add Pilates into your summer vacation itinerary:

Check out the local talent

With its rise in popularity over the last several years, Pilates studios can be found in just about any city. Connect with a local studio around your destination and book a class or a private session. It’s always great to practice with a fresh set of eyes and instructors who can offer new perspectives, plus it’s a fun way to get to know the area.

Follow along online

Just because you’re out of town doesn’t mean you have to skip your favorite online Mat Pilates classes. As long as you have WiFi, a smart device, and a floor, you can get your flow on with your usual instructor online. You can also try taking an online Mat class from other rockstar instructors all over the world.

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to take class live, there are plenty of outstanding full Mat Pilates videos available on Pilates of San Diego.

Use what you have

This is your chance to get creative. Many Pilates exercises can be performed in hotel fitness centers or gyms. If you’ve got room, you can also toss a Theraband, Magic Circle, or other small prop into your suitcase to use wherever you’re working out. Don’t have weights? Try using water bottles or soup cans. No gliding discs? How about paper plates instead? A belt or towel work great for stretching if you don’t have a yoga strap handy. And throw cushions will suffice in a pinch if there are no Magic Circles or small balls around for inner thigh work.

Get outside

There’s nothing quite like practicing Pilates surrounded by the beautiful sights, smells, and sounds of Mother Nature. Take some time out to move your body and enjoy the environment while you’re at the beach, in the forest, on a stand-up paddleboard on the water, at a park, or looking out from the top of a mountain. Being outside adds a whole other dimension to your movement practice that enhances feelings of peace, tranquility, gratitude, and bliss.

A rewarding vacation isn’t complete without doing nice things for yourself. When taking time away, be sure to take time to focus on your body, mind, and spirit. Wherever your summer vacation takes you, plan to bring your Pilates practice along for the trip.

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