Yoga on the Go: 6 Poses Perfect for Travel

Have mat will travel: a yoga sequence that's perfect for those on the go. One of my favorite things about Yoga is that it is a practice that you can literally do anytime, anywhere. We often get stuck thinking we need to be in a yoga class for 90 minutes for it to ‘count,’ but this is simply not the case. Even a single yoga pose can be extremely effective on a number of levels. Those of us that are lucky to be escaping some of this cold weather and snow and traveling to warmer climates can use the following simple sequence to counter the stress of travel. As nice as it is to escape, it is not without its challenges. This sequence was shot by my 11 year old son, Jack, on our way to Tulum, Mexico where I teach a yearly retreat. We could call this ‘Have Mat, Will Travel’ but we don’t even need a yoga mat.

Jessica Bellofatto, founder and director of KamaDeva Yoga in East Hampton, NY, is best known for her easy laughter, radiant energy, and matchless knowledge of the body. A mother, yogini, doula, surfer, triathlete, and avid stand up paddleboarder (and now SUP racer), Jessica has inspired thousands of students in their journey to better understand themselves and their world.

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Traveling Shiva (Natarajasana)

This one may get some onlookers, but it is such a great one to slip in while traveling. Sitting for long periods of time really tightens up the front of the legs (quadriceps, hip flexors, iliopsoas muscle), as well as the upper back. Dancing Shiva counters this by stretching the fronts of your thighs, and opening the heart.

TO DO: Standing in mountain pose with both feet parallel, bend the right leg and reach back with the right hand to hold the right ankle. Draw the foot towards the buttocks, and start to feel the opening through the front of your right thigh. This may be enough, or you can hinge forward slightly and begin to stretch the leg back behind you. You can do this freestanding, or use a wall or your traveling companion for balance. Release and try the second side.