Compact, Lightweight, Durable Travel-Friendly Exercise Gear

Do you enjoy keeping up your exercise routine while you travel? Perhaps you have a daily home exercise program that you contribute to keeping you mobile. As we know, bringing heavy or bulky items such as dumbbells and foam rollers on anything other than car trips is not realistic. Your hotel may have a gym but it is not as common in Europe (especially if you are not staying larger chain hotels). What are you to do? Read on for all the travel-friendly exercise equipment you need!

Bringing what I discuss below takes up less space than a pair of pants in your luggage. Almost any exercise can be modified to use the items on this list. Are you unsure how to make your exercise routine travel proof? Ask your physical therapist or personal trainer to make your exercise program travel friendly!

The are endless options for exercise equipment. These are all brands physical therapists use and that I use and use with my patients. Yes, you will likely be able to find cheaper options but expect lesser quality.

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A Woman Working Out Using a Resistance Band

Exercise Bands:

There are two main styles of exercise bands: long bands and looped bands. You will be able to do more exercises with a long band. They fold up to less than a bulk of a t-shirt or you can scrunch them in to any available space in your suitcase. Different brands seem to go by their own color schemes in terms of resistance. For my go-to brand, Theraband, the order of resistance from lightest to heaviest is: Yellow –> Red –> Green –> Blue –> Black.

Here is Theraband’s PDF guide all about their resistance bands. It also includes pictures and descriptions of exercises you can do with resistance bands instead of weights. If you have any concerns with modifying your exercises, it is best to see your PT or personal trainer to help you adapt to using bands.

Theraband Bands:

CLX Resistance bands: Include small loops along the long band so that you can do your looped and long band exercises all with one band! 5ft long, 1 band per pack.

Looped Theraband, Set of 4, Rubber.

Looped Theraband, Set of 4, Fabric – more durable but will take up more space in your luggage.

15lb Theraband resistance band.

15lb and 25lb Theraband resistance bands, Set of 2.

Latex-Free Options:

SmarterLife looped bands. Set of 5.

CanDo 5-foot Long bands, Set of 1.

Over the Door Loop:

This is a nice accompaniment to exercise bands as you can loop the band through and close it in any door. This will allow you to do exercises such as rows, lat pulls, woodchoppers, rotator cuff strengthening, etc. Alternatively, you can tie a knot at the end or middle of one of your exercise bands and close the knot in the doorway. The caveat to this is the band may not stay in place or the door may not close if the band is too thick. Using an over door loop is a much safer option! With either technique, attach the band to the side that will keep the door closed so that you do not risk the door opening into you.

Theraband Brand Over the Door Loop.

BOSS Brand Over the Door Loop.

Stretch Out Strap:

This was invented by a physical therapist and is the only equipment you will need for stretching. The material is very similar to the material used for seatbelts so it’s super durable and you can throw it in the washing machine. The different loops allow you to anchor your feet or hands no matter your flexibility level. If travel leaves you with stiff/tight muscles, bringing the stretch out strap may be a great option for you!

Stretch Out Strap from OPTP.

Mobility Ball:

Last but not least in the travel-friendly exercise equipment list is a mobility ball. I have already lauded mobility balls (tennis balls specifically) in the Travel Essentials for Mobility post. The purpose of a mobility ball is to help move muscle and/or fascia to decrease pain and/or tightness. If you use a foam roller at home, a ball is a great travel replacement. Examples include rolling out the muscles around your shoulder blades, your glutes, IT bands and plantar fascia. You have options depending on the amount of resistance you need. A Franklin ball will be the least resistance, next is a tennis ball and then a Pinky Ball or a lacrosse ball will be the most firm.