Travel exercise equipment that won’t take over your bag

I have to admit, I’m a little obsessed with these Bala Bangles. I wear them constantly on my wrist or ankle for hiking, yoga and home workouts – but they can also be worn during aerobics, boxing, pilates, core training or rehabilitation sessions. Made of soft silicone, I usually forget I’m even wearing it. They elevate from an easy stroll around the neighborhood to a more challenging workout. Each Bala Bangle weighs one pound, adding comfortable resistance to any movement you make. It won’t add much weight to your tote bag or duffel bag and comes in a stylish travel bag.

If you like to exercise from anywhere, you’ll need a lightweight mat that can turn any surface into your very own gym floor. Made with a cushioned rubber backing, the Alo Yoga Air Mat is non-slip, wicking dry, and odor-resistant. This travel-friendly mat rolls slim and weighs only 3.5 pounds, making it lighter than an exercise mat. Spread this out for yoga, stretching, or any floor exercises.

One of the smallest, lightest, and most versatile pieces of exercise equipment you can pack are simple resistance bands, like this budget-friendly set available on Amazon. This set of five bands has a different resistance level – ranging from extra light to very heavy – making it ideal for both beginners and professionals. Roll it back into the compact carrying bag to take it with you anywhere.

Sliders, sometimes called gliders, will make even the simplest of exercises more challenging—no heavy equipment or exercise machine required. These flat, round discs allow your hands and feet to glide across any floor while increasing your balance and strengthening your core. They’re perfect for floor exercises you can do anywhere – push-ups, lunges, mountain climbers or planks. Whether you’re working from your living room floor or an Airbnb at Joshua Tree, your heart will be busy all the time with these things. Plus, it’s easy to pack into almost any bag and is very versatile.

If your favorite way to exercise is to go to an early morning yoga class, you might want to add this Alo yoga block to your packing list. The Reinforced Yoga Block fits into any carry bag – zip it out when you’re ready to practice and maintain stability during poses. It is lightweight and features curved edges for better grip.

If you’re used to using TRX suspension training equipment at the gym, this Amazon travel-ready set will come in handy wherever you go. This lightweight kit includes a hanging training strap, indoor/outdoor anchors, and a mesh travel bag. It’s easy to set up on the go and weighs about 1.5 lbs.

I’ve been using the Sweat Sweet waist trimmer for years now and I still feel amazing every time I use it. Made of extra thick neoprene, this waist cincher keeps you sweating harder without doing any extra work. Simply adjust it around your waist with the Velcro before doing any exercise, and when your workout is complete, you’ll feel your sweat. It is affordable and folds down to take up very little packing space. Even just walking around with this around my waist makes me sweat like I just ran a long distance.

If you’re someone who prefers to take personal workout classes to stay on track or you’re a beginner who needs some guidance on what to do, an Alo Moves membership is a great option. Train from anywhere with thousands of classes you can access on your phone, all led by skilled instructors. There are tons of classes to choose from—Vinyasa, barre, HIIT, core, yoga, mindfulness, and more. Plus, Alo offers a seven-day free trial that you can test out before committing to a membership.

On any trip, you’ll want a versatile sling bag that keeps you hands-free while on the go. Whether you’re going on an adventurous hike or just hanging out for the day exploring a new city, the Béis Sport Sling has everything you need. There’s a place for your credit cards, a microfiber-lined protective pocket for your phone or sunglasses, and a compartment for storing items like AirPods or sunscreen. The best part: There’s a hidden water bottle pocket so you can stay hydrated all day long.

The perfect fitness tool to keep you on track: Fitbit Versa 4. This stylish watch tracks your daily activity, heart rate, and sleep cycle in one device. The Fitbit app lets you access apps, receive notifications, and send messages without pulling out your phone, which is another plus for travel days. There are more than 15 exercise modes to record your exercise; Even better, it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about taking it off before jumping in the pool or taking a dip in the ocean.

A sports head hat is always welcomed on sunny days outdoors. This classic and stylish Nike cap is available in a few colors to match any workout ensemble you have. I always keep a neutral-colored hat in my purse for active days (or the inevitable bad hair days).

Running and hiking enthusiasts, listen up. The waterproof armband holds your phone, key, and headphone cord (if you still have ’em)—no leg bag or pocket required. It’s adjustable to fit comfortably on your arm and doesn’t get in the way of unlocking your phone with Face ID when it’s in the case. Plus, it’s under $15 on Amazon – a price you can’t beat.

If you’re visiting a windy city like Chicago, be sure to bring an ear-warming headband for jogging or walking outdoors. The fleece headband keeps your ears protected and warm even on the coldest days. Choose from black, charcoal, navy or white.

This collapsible foam roller is perfect for travelers – it’s portable, easy to fold, and weighs less than two pounds. It can be used to warm up with or to recover to target tight muscles. It folds nicely to fit in your bag and comes in a small mesh travel bag.

Weighing just 1.5 lbs., the Hypervolt Go 2 is extremely lightweight and portable. It is a percussive massager that targets stress, muscle tension, and fatigue. Use it to warm up, loosen tight muscles, or help relax you after a workout. It’s the perfect recovery tool for active travelers who are always on the go.

The Theragun Mini is well worth the hype: It’s the smallest and lightest option among Theraguns with three speeds and three attachments. It will reduce muscle soreness and relieve tension and knots that you may experience after exercise. It helps speed recovery, improves sleep and mobility, and relieves stress—benefits any traveler will appreciate.