The holidays can be a wonderful time for friends, family, food, and laughter. But they can also be hectic, filled with traffic, and sometimes might leave you feeling desperate for an escape to your yoga mat. Not to worry! No matter how many miles you travel from home, here’s some simple ways to bring yoga along with you.
1) Explore New Studios
One of my favorite things about going to new cities is exploring new yoga studios. Yoga studios, unlike most membership gyms, will usually let you purchase a “drop-in” class. These classes usually range anywhere from $10-$20 per class and are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays in the safety of a yoga studio, even when you’re on the road.
2) Pack Your Favorite Yoga DVD
I have a handful of yoga DVDs that I always throw in my suitcase when I’m traveling. A few of my favorites are:
- Jillian Michael’s “Yoga Meltdown”: She calls this a “hybrid-style” of yoga, because it incorporates a bit of cardio in with traditional yoga poses. If you’re looking for a routine that’s going to get you sweating and feeling like you got in a great workout – this is it. The DVD offers two levels, and each workout clocks in at just over 30 minutes. (Amazon: https://amzn.com/B0031XYLWG)
- Trudie Styler’s “Warrior Yoga”: Fun fact – Trudie is Sting’s wife and a wonderful yoga instructor! This DVD offers both an express and extended practice so you can select which warrior yoga workout fits your schedule. Warrior yoga is one of my favorite types of yoga, so this DVD is always in my starting lineup. (Amazon: https://amzn.com/B002KLA9DK)
- 10 Minute Solution Yoga: This DVD offers five different 10-minute yoga routines ranging from “Yoga Basics” to “Yoga for Abs” to “Yoga for Flexibility & Relaxation.” Pop it in and do one or all, depending on your time constraints, or if there’s a particular area of your body that you’d like to focus on, like buns and thighs or abs. (Amazon: https://amzn.com/B000A3DGGC)
If you’d rather not drop money on a yoga DVD (money is always so tight around the holidays!) check out these five free yoga workouts (click here) – they’ll travel with you anywhere you can find Wi-Fi!
3) There’s An App For That
There’s an app for everything these days and yoga is no different! It’s easy to find an app that meets your needs, and most range from free to only a few dollars to install on your iPhone. Several are also available for Android phones!
One of my favorites is YOGAmazing ($4.99 for iOS). Although a little bit pricier for an app, it’s a neat little tool that I love taking everywhere with me because it includes over 25 mini classes that you can customize to fit your needs. If you’re going to be a frequent flyer this holiday season, consider downloading Airplane Yoga to your phone ($3.99 for iOS). This unique app includes a variety of seated yoga poses that can help you boost circulation and rid your body of soreness as you travel. If you’re in search of a local yoga studio while you travel, look no further than MINDBODY Yoga. This free app for iOS will use your current location to locate studios nearby, and even lets you see class schedules and book online!
4) Wind Down Or Wake Up With Your Own Routine
When visiting with family and friends, it is often hard to find the necessary alone time to sneak in your yoga practice. Try making time for it in the morning or right before you go to bed, when your friends and family have assumed you’re tucked in bed. This will allow you to get in some quality time without being interrupted, and it’s a great way to energize in the morning, or wind down at night.
5) Invite Your Friends And Family
If you can’t beat them, why not ask them to join you? My mom has a level of commitment to fitness and a physique that would make a lot of women half her age jealous. She’s always taught me the importance of taking care of my body and being mindful of its needs. I love rolling out my mat alongside my mom because she’s a huge inspiration to my practice
If your friends and family aren’t familiar with yoga, why not introduce them to a few moves? The holidays are a time for sharing, so why not share something you love! There’s plenty of yoga to go around!
