How to Stay Active on Holiday

How to Stay Active on Holiday

Simple Ways to Move Your Body This Summer

Holidays are a time to unwind, exhale and reconnect with the people we love. But with long lunches, lazy beach days and the tempting “I’ll get back to it in January” mindset, it’s all too easy for movement to slip off the radar. The good news? Staying active on holiday doesn’t need to feel like hard work — and it certainly doesn’t require a gym, equipment or carving out big blocks of time.

At Pilates Connection, we believe movement should feel good, support your wellbeing, and fit naturally into your day. Here are some simple, enjoyable ways to keep your body moving while you’re away this Summer.

1. Embrace Mini Pilates Sessions (5–15 minutes)

When you don’t have your usual routine, short and sweet is the way to go. A mini Pilates sequence in the morning or before bed helps lengthen tight muscles, wake up your core and support your posture for the day ahead.

Try these quick holiday-friendly moves:

• Side-lying leg lifts – great for glute strength and hip stability
• Modified planks – gentle core activation without overloading the wrists
• Spinal rotations – perfect for easing stiffness from travel
• Glute bridges – for lower-body strength and pelvic stability
• Roll downs – to mobilise your spine and calm your mind

Just a few minutes makes a huge difference to how your body feels — especially when you’re carrying bags to the beach or sitting in holiday traffic.

2. Build Strength into Everyday Moments

Movement doesn’t have to look like a structured workout. On holiday, it’s often the small bursts of effort that keep you feeling strong, balanced and energised.

Sneaky strength builders include:

• Switching on your deep abdominal muscles while carrying towels or esky bags
• Standing on one leg while brushing your teeth (brilliant for ankle and hip stability)
• Doing gentle squats while waiting for the kettle to boil
• Adding a stretch whenever you get out of the car after a daytrip

These micro-movements keep your body awake and aligned without interrupting your holiday flow.

3. Make Movement a Shared Activity

Holidays are the perfect opportunity to move as a family or with friends — and you’ll hardly notice you’re exercising.

Some easy, enjoyable ideas:

• Sunrise or sunset walks along the beach or local bush trails
• Paddle-ball or beach cricket for a bit of fun (and a lot of laughs)
• Bike rides around your holiday destination
• Slow stretching sessions in the hotel room or on the balcony

These moments not only keep you active, but also create memories — which is exactly what holidays are all about.

4. Listen to Your Body

While staying active is important, rest is equally essential. Give yourself permission to slow down, stretch, or simply breathe when you need to. Holidays should restore your energy, not deplete it.

If you return home feeling balanced and refreshed, you’re far more likely to step back into your Pilates routine with motivation rather than guilt.

5. Plan for “Post-Holiday You”

A great tip is to lock in your regular Pilates spots for next year before you go away. Knowing you have a class waiting for you helps you stay connected to your goals — and gives you something positive to return to. Holidays are also a great time to think about your fitness and health goals for 2026. Are there any areas you’d like to improve or focus on – perhaps it’s flexibility, upping the resistance to build more strength, or getting out of your comfort zone by trying new equipment? We’d love to hear your goals when you return, so we can develop a plan to help you achieve them!

Remember – Staying active on holiday doesn’t need structure or pressure — just small pockets of mindful movement that help your body feel open, strong and at ease. A little goes a long way, especially during the busy Summer season.

Wherever you’re heading these holidays, may your days be filled with sunshine, rest and joyful movement. We look forward to welcoming you back into the studio in 2026!