Holidays-A-Coming

Even though you wouldn’t know it by the changeable weather - and changeable Government by the looks of things - since the calendar flipped to July, I’m getting summer holiday vibes. Maybe it’s because I’m about to go on a short trip myself (to the home of the teary Christiano Ronaldo, to give you a clue). People often ask me what they can do for their yoga practice while they are away from home, and it has got me thinking about what practice, if any, I might do myself while I’m away.

Having the intention, ‘I’ll do some yoga in my hotel room,’ doesn't always work for me, however earnest. I usually get into a tizz about where to start and whether I’ll have time, space, or props, then end up never getting around to doing anything at all.

I thought I’d share the ones I plan to do on holiday to give you some inspiration if you find yourself away. I've found that having a few poses in mind (not too many) takes away the indecision about what to do.

This time, I'm packing super light—I'm too indignant to pay for an extra cabin bag! Thus, no special props are needed. Only a floor, a wall, and maybe a pillow or two are required.

Holiday Yoga

Virasana (Hero) (sitting on 1-2 pillows) + any arms you like, e.g.

Virasana with Parvatasana arms (fingers interlaced and stretching up)

Virasana with Gomukasana (Cow Face) arms (one elbow up, one hand behind back)

Virasana with Garuda (Eagle) arms

Why? It’s a good seat for arm and shoulder work. Gets the front ankles opening and the spine upright.

Notes: if you tend to arch the lower back a lot while faffing around with arms, draw the tail under slightly and the centre of the navel back.

Upavista Konasana (Seated Wide Angle) +/- twist and forward fold x 3

Why? Opens the backs of the legs well after Virasana. Both stretches and strength are involved for the legs and hips. Long holds and repetitions are possible, as are forward folds and twists in UK. Efforts in the lower body pay off, giving you juicy side stretches and a wonderful extension for the lower back.

Notes: Pop a pillow under the bottom if needed, but try to get the legs straight over time.

Supta Virasana (Supine Hero) (torso on a vertical pillow, knees lifted on a horizontal pillow) x 3

Why? According to my teacher, Virasana and Supta Virasana are ‘use it or lose it’ poses worth doing regularly to keep the knees happy and spacious and the ankles open.

Notes: Without loads of props, this pose might be a challenge to hold with any modicum of relaxation. It will feel super active and probably tax the front ankles, thighs, groins, and abdomen a fair bit (in a way only groans can articulate). So I would hold this for short periods, come out, and go again. There is no need to go all the way to the floor; you can lower halfway or any amount onto your hands/elbows, but keep working the legs and slide the tail towards the backs of the knees.

Wall Slide Utkatasana (Chair Squat) x 6

Why? I know - this hurts just a little, but apparently, squats are the best thing since sliced bread.

Notes: Legs, hips, and abdomen all need to work intensely when you pay attention to alignment and hold. Take the arms up for more lift out of the waist and reach…hold, hold, hold and KERPOW! You are power.

Chest opener over 1-2 pillows (arms to side or overhead) for a long hold

Why? Self-explanatory.

Notes: A kind of counteraction-of-daily-tension pose. Some nice feedback comes from a wall if you have one (as in the picture) - reach the arms overhead, spin the palms outwards and lower them toward the floor.

Shoulder opener (elbows on pillow, bed or tabletop/window sill) x 3

Why? My shoulders get narrow and tight, especially with travel. This is a good one to hold for a while and repeat as many times as you want.

Notes: You can keep your hands in prayer or (more challenging) separate the hands and keep them apart. You want to feel the shoulder blades broadening and sliding down the back.

Bonus - the first two poses are fantastic for doing in front of the telly, which I plan to do for the rest of the summer holidays. Summer of sport, here I come! ⚽🎾🚴🏏

Yoga Holiday 2025 (Retreat update)

Now, for more holidays. I've got news about one holiday on which you definitely don't have to think about what yoga poses to practice!

I’ve been invited to co-teach a retreat in Spain next year - yippee! My wonderful co-teacher and retreat hostess with the mostess Rebecca Harvey, has already taught at this fantastic venue twice and is taking another group, and me 🥳, back next September. Previous punters enjoyed it so much they've already reserved their spots. A few shared places are still available (twin and triple rooms).

This retreat will likely sell out soon, so we are asking for early deposits and won’t be advertising it elsewhere.

If you're interested, please check out Rebecca’s website for more details about the venue, dates, and prices here:

SPANISH RETREAT PI BLAU

Happy Holidays.

(p.s. no break to the class schedule over the summer)

Let’s practise.