Movement for Real Life
A Monthly Wellness Feature / May 2026
By Petra Lehman-Brauer
Owner – Create Power Yoga
How to Keep Moving While You Travel
Summer travel season is here. Whether you’re packing for a week at the beach, a long weekend with family, or simply now have your kiddos at home from school, there’s a good chance your normal routine is about to go out the window.
That includes your movement practice.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to replicate your regular workout when your schedule changes. You don’t need to squeeze in an hour of exercise every single day. And you definitely don’t need to feel guilty about skipping your usual routine and replacing it with something novel for a bit.
What you can do is keep moving in small, sustainable ways that actually feel good, and leave you more energized for vacation, not less.
Let Go of “All or Nothing”
The biggest trap we fall into is thinking that if you can’t do your full workout, there’s no point in doing anything at all. That’s not true.
Ten minutes of movement is better than zero. A short walk is better than sitting all day. A few gentle stretches before bed count. Give yourself permission to do less, or change it up. Consistency, not intensity, is what keeps your body feeling good, and keeps you ready for when you do get back to your regular practice.
Use What’s Around You
I’m going to get a bit cliche here, because you’ve probably heard much of this before. It’s all true, though, so worth repeating.
- Walking on vacation is often more accessible than at home. Take advantage!
- Stretch for a few minutes in your hotel room in the morning or before bed.
- Play! If you have kids are home or on vacation with you, use their games as your movement practice. Tag, anyone?
Treat movement as part of the adventure, not a chore you’re squeezing in.
Keep It Short and Simple
When you’re traveling, long workouts are hard to fit in, and easy to skip. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes. That’s it.
If you already have a favorite short routine, bring it with you. If you don’t, there are thousands of free options online that take ten minutes or less.
We’ve created a library of short, simple classes on our YouTube channel designed specifically for times when you can’t make it to a studio. From tutorials to 10-minute classes, to a 21-day program, there’s something for you. No fancy equipment. No judgment. Just guided movement you can do wherever you are.
Travel is about being present with new places, with people you love, with yourself. Movement can be part of that presence when we allow it to pivot and for our expectations to be malleable.
When you return home, your usual movement routine will be there, ready for you to pick right back up, and perhaps even enhanced from what you explored when you were away.
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About the Author
Petra Lehman-Brauer has been teaching yoga to students of all levels since 2013. She owns Create Power Yoga in Rumford, RI, where her mission is to create a space where students feel safe, supported, and empowered in their practice; where yoga isn’t about perfection, but about showing up, exploring, and building a deeper relationship with yourself.
Do you have a question or a Yoga – Health & Wellness topic you would like to see Petra cover? If so, email: Info@EastProvHospitality.com with “Create Power Yoga” in the subject line.
