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Best Pilates Props to Travel With

Working out while traveling is one of the hardest things for people to do. Even for me and I teach Pilates. Why?

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • September 26, 2019
Table of Contents

Best Pilates Props to Travel With

Working out while traveling is one of the hardest things for people to do. Even for me and I teach Pilates. Why? Well, aside from the obvious: you are on vacation or out of your routine. It is often not easy to get a workout in. Think about it, when you traveled last you probably had time to get a workout in but your hotel didn’t have a gym or it did but you didn’t know what to do. There are classes out in the community but which ones to take? Well, thank goodness Pilates is something you can do ANYWHERE and the props are super easy to travel with. Even in a carry-on!

Thera Band: this takes up almost negative space! And it’s great for adding some tension to your Mat Pilates workout. You can also use it to stretch out those tight spots from flying or driving long hours.

1lb. weights: Ok, these are trickier if you’re flying as many airlines weigh your bag and those 2 lbs. might mean leaving your favorite shoes behind. Think about grabbing those two complimentary water bottles your hotel left you and adding them to your Mat practice in your room to challenge your abs and upper back muscles.

Squishy ball: TBH I have never done this. But, when I polled my OPC members what props they take on trips, many of them said they take a squishy ball. I like this one. If I were to add this to my baggage, I would deflate it and pack the air pump too. They don’t take up a ton of space but just need a little forward thinking.

Mini Magic Circle: a regular size Magic Circle is probably too big for most suitcases. But the mini will fit in even an international carry-on. Great for getting some hamstring stretches before you add it to your Mat workout.

Toe Corrector: this underused Pilates apparatus is easy to toss in a bag. And, I promise you I have not gotten even the strangest look from a TSA agent. It’s great for working your feet that could always use some extra love. Especially if you are on a trip where you are doing lots of site seeing or even sitting in a lot of meetings.

Before you next trip, make sure to locate these props and see which ones will be easy for you to travel with. You definitely don’t need to travel with all of them. Just the ones you know you’ll use. And then, make sure you’ve got your workout exercises with you or take class with me online where ever you are whenever you travel schedule allows.

xx~LL

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

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No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

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MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

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xx-LL

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See you in class,

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MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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So, I'm taking Leg Pulls (Control Push Ups on the Reformer) and making them fun! So we can ALL enjoy what is possible from these dynamic duos!

Have a squishy ball or stuffed toy nearby for our Leg Pull moments on the Mat. Reformer no props needed.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a squishy ball or stuffed toy and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright loves, you may not like going overhead and you may not be able to…yet..

But this week on the Mat and the Reformer we will be ready-ing ourselves to Control our Balance.
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Think long legs, asymmetrical legs and maybe even a little single leg deadlift.

On the Mat, if you do struggle with balance go to a wall during the standing work or have a chair nearby. No extra props needed for the Reformer.

See ya in class,

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>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

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MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

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See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

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Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

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See ya in class,

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ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋