How Pilates Helped Me Enjoy Every Step of My Trip to South Korea and Japan
- Jo Everill-Taylor
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
After a busy few months, I recently took a long-awaited holiday to South Korea and Japan — and it reminded me, in the best possible way, how much Pilates shows up in real life.
From climbing endless temple steps to hours of exploring on foot, catching trains, and sitting cross-legged on tatami mats, this trip was a celebration of what it means to move well and feel strong in everyday life.
The Joy of Being Able to Climb All Those Steps
If you’ve ever visited Asia, you’ll know that many of the most beautiful temples and gardens come with hundreds of steps.There were moments in both Busan and Kyoto when I looked up at the next flight and thought, “Thank goodness for all those leg lifts and glute bridges!” (especially at Kuramayama where the funicular that takes you half way up was closed for servicing!!)
Strong legs, stable knees, and a steady core made such a difference — not just in getting up the steps, but also in how confident I felt doing it. Pilates helps build that foundation of strength and balance that lets you enjoy life’s adventures, not worry about them.
Mindful Movement Everywhere
One of the things that really struck me in both countries was the sense of mindfulness in motion. Whether it was the quiet grace of a tea ceremony, the calm of temple gardens, or even the way people walk slowly and purposefully through markets — there’s a natural rhythm to life.
It reminded me so much of Pilates: that sense of awareness, control, and flow in every movement. You don’t rush, you don’t force — you just move with intention.
Sitting Tall and Staying Mobile
In Japan especially, sitting on the floor is still very common. Meals on low tables, meditation spaces, even traditional accommodation — all involve lowering yourself down and getting back up gracefully (which, let’s be honest, isn’t always easy after a long day of walking!).
Pilates really comes into play here — hip mobility, core control, and posture all make a difference. I found myself so grateful for my body’s ability to adapt and move with ease, rather than stiffly creaking into position.
Walking as the Best Kind of Exercise
We easily clocked up 15,000–20,000 steps most days. But it didn’t feel like exercise — it felt like exploration. That’s the magic of functional fitness: when your everyday movement is your workout.
All those Pilates sessions — improving posture, building endurance, engaging your core — add up to more than strength on the mat. They give you stamina to walk through cities, balance on uneven paths, and simply enjoy being out in the world.
Stretching Through Jet Lag
Long flights, new beds, and a packed itinerary definitely took their toll, but a few minutes of gentle Pilates each day helped me reset.A few roll downs, roll overs,leg stretches, and deep breathing were all it took to ease tightness from travel.
Pilates isn’t just something we do in class — it’s a toolkit for self-care wherever we are.
Paul and I even did some Pilates at the back of the plane to break up the 14 hours of sitting on the return journey!! (sorry no photos of that!)
A Reminder of Why We Move
Coming home, I realised this trip was more than a holiday — it was a reminder of why I practise Pilates and why I love teaching it. It's not about the perfect teaser or how flat your abs are — it’s about freedom. Freedom to walk, climb, explore, and take joy in your body’s ability to move.
So next time you’re in class and we’re working on balance or leg strength, remember: those squats and single-leg stands might just be your ticket to your next adventure!
Korea and Japan gave me stunning views, incredible experiences, and a deeper appreciation for the small, mindful moments.
Pilates gave me the strength, mobility, and confidence to enjoy them all.
Here’s to moving well — so we can keep saying yes to every new adventure.
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