
I travel so often these days that it’s sometimes hard to find the time (and space) to get a workout in every day. Not every hotel has a gym, and I frequently stay with friends or go through AirBnB when I go somewhere for more than a few days. When I’m in Dallas, I do a combination of workouts – I now go to PureBarre 3-4 times per week, and alternate that with trips to Equinox for other classes or to utilize their cardio machines + other equipment. With all of the classes I’ve taken over the years, I’ve picked up a bunch of great exercises that I can do at home or when I’m out of town, even if I don’t have access to a gym! The only thing you need for these workouts is a comfortable outfit and a soft surface (a yoga mat or a cushy carpet both work)! When I work out, I like to be dressed well – I find that wearing cute clothes helps me get in the zone… Anyone else? I always reach for a pair of comfortable capri pants. They’re appropriate for every kind of workout, year-round – needless to say I wear a pair of capri pants every day. On top, I love a good fitted tank and a cozy fleece to throw over it. Below you’ll find some of my go-to do-it-yourself workouts – what are your favorite ways to exercise?

I picked up this exercise in PureBarre classes while I was home in Austin over Christmas. It’s basically a modified crunch, but just looks fancier. Grab a yoga mat or just sit on the carpet in your house (or hotel room)! Sit on the mat with your feet together in front of you with your knees bent. Place your hands lightly on the outsides of your thighs (close to your knees) and sink back to where your lower back almost touches the mat – note that your hands aren’t holding onto your legs for support. This arm/hand placement just helps get your core in the right position and angle for activation and tightness. If you’re a beginner to crunch-type exercises, leave your hands there and begin to tuck and release your core. Using your abdominal muscles, sit up an inch, and then back down an inch. The movement should be minimal. If your core is strong enough, raise your arms up in front of you so that you don’t rely on them during these crunches – for an even tougher exercise, alternate lifting up each leg (or both)! Do 20-30 reps, three to four times.


Another one I learned at Pure Barre, this workout targets your inner thighs. Take a seat right on your heels, knees in front of you, a fist-widths distance apart. Place your hands on your waist and tighten your abs for stability. Once you’re ready, lift your seat slightly so that they are only an inch or two away from your heels. From here, tuck your seat forward. For some variation, tuck to the right and left as well. Be sure to sit up straight – if you lean forward too much, your thighs won’t be the muscles doing the work. It can be brutal and your muscles will shake almost immediately, but you’ll see a difference only after doing this for a few weeks. It doesn’t look hard, but I swear I’m always shaking after doing only 20 reps!

This exercise targets your seat, which we all know needs its own attention (am I right?!). Lay with your back on the mat (or carpet), feet in front of you – try to pull your feet as close to your butt as is comfortable. Place your heels together and toes apart (in a Pilates V), with your knees touching, and then lift your seat off the mat to go into bridge position. From there, tuck and untuck your hips to activate your glutes. The harder your squeeze those muscles, the more you’ll get out of it. Similarly like the previous exercise, you can tuck to the right and to the left for some variety.

Here’s another good exercise for your bum: start on all fours with your knees hips width apart. Raise one leg (knee bent) up to hip height, then activate your glutes while you slowly lift up and down. The movement here should be small – up an inch, down an inch. Just make sure you keep your seat activated the whole time so that you don’t use your leg or lower back to lift. PS – the closer your heel is to your seat as you lift, the more of a burn you will feel! Once you’ve completed 20-30 reps on the first leg, switch to the other leg – alternate three or four times (or until you’ve tired out your muscles)!
SHOP THE LOOK BELOW
Fleece Jacket: Old Navy, Printed Capris: Old Navy
This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.
*Please note that while I love to work out and these exercises work for me personally, I am certainly not a trained professional and cannot offer advice on how to work out. Exercise at your own risk!
I love your smile! Good you’re keeping fit:)
these tights are cool.
xo
PinkSole
Great exercises! I recently started doing mat pilates and it literally took my back pain away.
You look absolutely GORGEOUS even when working out!
I love Equinox their Barre Burn classes are pretty awesome too. Looking good while working out always gives me an extra boost!
You look so cute in your exercise clothes! I’m terrified of barre classes, mainly because the yoga place I go to that has barre is filled with tiny women who are just rocking those classes, hahaha. Meanwhile I’m sticking to yoga, power yoga, yogilates, etc…. It’s been 5-6 weeks so far of classes and I feel like I have so much to learn but I’m keeping at it :)
http://asequinloveaffair.com
you’re making me want to go back to pure bare//// just go do these moves in my living room.
You look great! Loving these easy exercises for at home too, they’ll come in handy now that I have a newborn!
Cute workout clothes! I agree that I’m more motivated if I feel comfy and confident in what I’m wearing. Great tips…I usually do my power walks down at the beach but once the weather gets really cold, it’s nice to have some alternatives. Thanks for sharing :)
http://www.taffetaandtulips.com
Great post! I’m always pleasantly surprised by Old Navy’s activewear. I own a few pieces myself and love yours featured here!
xo, Laura
http://www.brightandbeautifulblog.com/
Fun post! Love these moves, and those tights!
You’re a vision in white, a lovely contrast to the rest of the fitness world full of black tights and tops. Also love these workout suggestions, thanks for posting!
What a fun post! I’m loving those printed capris!Thanks for sharing!
xo Pam
http://www.thegirlfrompanama.com
You are looking great, Merritt! All those workouts in tight quarters & on-the-go are paying off & you are glowing. You go girl! Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
love the workout gear! and ohhh my, I’m already realizing my new year’s resolution of working out is falling behind…
If you like Pure Barre…. You will LOVE Hilliard Studio Method!!! It’s a core-centric, Pilates-based killer workout…. Check out the website http://www.hilliardstudiomethod.com….you won’t believe this workout!!!
There are videos you can download or stream!! HSM motto is Be Powerful
If you are ever in Charlotte NC pop in for some thigh scorching barre work!!!
your workout gear is so chic!
http://heyprettything.com
Thanks for sharing your tips – working out while traveling can seriously be difficult to do! I try to walk as much as I can when I’m in a new city, but these toning exercises will come in helpful.
Beautiful print of pants!
Made in Mauve
loving these moves! xo
http://dearserendipity.com/