How To Stay Fit Whilst Travelling

Wellbeing coach, Olivia Trussell talks us through how to stay fit whilst travelling.
During a holiday it is important to disconnect from the outside world and allow your mind, body and spirit to relax. Time off provides a fantastic opportunity to maintain the healthy exercise and nutritional habits you have worked hard to achieve. In a new and exciting environment you may feel more inspired and motivated to create a fresh exercise plan or improve an existing one. With free time up your sleeve, there is no better time for exercise and healthy living than during your holiday escape.
Firstly, consider your personal needs for improving or maintaining your current level of fitness. If it involves resistance training, ensure you select accommodation with gym facilities. Here you can work with weights and use the space for your mat work too. For cardiovascular training – a nearby beach, park or walking / running path will suffice.
As a Pilates teacher, I like to include the following FOUR exercises into my daily routine, regardless of whether it involves walking, running, dancing or resistance training. The exercises focus on core strength and mental/physical balance.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness”, Joseph Pilates.
CAT COW STRETCH
Benefits
Improves flexibility in your spine. Excellent for relieving back pain. Core and pelvic floor awareness plus a gentle warm up.
How
Start on all fours with hands beneath shoulders and knees beneath hips. Inhale to bring your body into a neutral position, exhale to curl tailbone under, round the spine (include cervical/neck spine) and stretch like a cat. Inhale to return to neutral spine and tilt the tailbone toward the ceiling as the ribs lower toward the floor. Lift the head, sternum, and eyes toward the ceiling. Inhale and return to neutral. Repeat x 5.
THREADING THE NEEDLE
Benefits
Rotates the spine and stretches chest, shoulders and back muscles. Encourages neck muscles to relax.
How
Start in all fours position as above. Thread right hand under the left arm and rotate torso to the left, come back through centre and reach right hand to the ceiling and rotate to the right. Repeat on left side. Repeat x 5 (on each side).
ALL FOURS SWIMMING
Benefits
Strengthens muscles in the back, core and glutes, whilst improving balance and hip stability.
Reset in all fours position. Inhale to prepare, exhale as you slide one foot along the floor and extend completely before you float the leg up to hip height (no further however below is fine). Inhale and return. Repeat on the other side.
How
As you progress, lengthen the opposite arm to leg and float both off the floor on the exhale, inhale to return. Keep your head and neck in line with the spine by gazing at the floor.
AB CURLS
Benefits
Builds core strength and creates a flatter stomach.
How
Lay on the floor in a supine position (on your back). Bend your knees with your feet in line with your sitting bones. Place your hands at the base of your skull and clasp your fingers, to support your head and neck. Inhale to prepare and as you exhale, slowly lift the chest up and draw the ribcage down towards hips. Inhale whilst returning to the starting position. Repeat x 10.
COOL DOWN
Draw your knees to your chest, rock gently from side to side and finish with your favourite stretches. Release into a relaxed supine position. Close your eyes, connect to your natural breathing – slowing and deepening your breath. Relax here for five minutes.
Remember to add balance to your holiday – including enjoying the food you eat. Delight in all types of food and opt for healthier food options – fresh fruit and vegetables plus smoothies. Say YES to a piece of delicious cake and do not deny yourself of food that will make your taste buds dance. BALANCE is the key. Embrace your healthy and balanced holiday.
By Olivia Trussell
Wellbeing Coach
Studio Manager
Shamata Pilates & Yoga
17 Smith Street, Walkerville SA
www.shamatapilates.com.au