FAQ

About Mind-Body Practices

About HHT Sessions

Lodgings, etc…

About Mind-Body Practices

How do Pilates™ and Yoga differ?: Both Pilates™ and yoga increase balance, flexibility, concentration, relaxation and strength. Yoga emphasizes flexibility while Pilates™ focuses on core strength. Yoga breathing is diaphragmatic. Pilates™ employs lateral breathing. Pilates™ incorporates yoga asanas into dynamic, flowing movement. They are complimentary systems.

The Roll Up (Pilates)

Modified Relaxation Pose (Yoga)

position one two three


(view all yoga/pilates sequences)

What is Gyrokinesis®?:
Called “yoga for dancers”, and performed seated on a stool, standing, and on a mat, Gyrokinesis® can be done by anyone. The arching, curling and spiraling motions encourage spinal flexibility, increase circulation and awaken mind and body.

Do I need to be able to swim to do “Water Moves?”:
No swimming required. This is a great way for “non-” swimmers to enjoy the water.

About HHT Sessions

How fit do I have to be?:
HHT programs accommodate all fitness levels. Tannis’s modifications and personal guidance suit each student’s capabilities and needs.

What if I have health problems?:
Doctors recommend Pilates™ for physical therapy. Studies indicate that Pilates™ and yoga help with many health problems. That said, please; if you have any doubts, get a doctor’s okay before participating in HHT’s classes and activities, and contact Tannis to discuss any concerns.

What if I’m pregnant?:
Pilates™ and yoga are excellent fit-pregnancy tools if your pregnancy is complication-free. The rules are, go easy the 1st trimester, modify movements the 2nd trimester, and increase modifications dramatically by the 3rd trimester.

Will I need to bring a mat?:
Spa and retreat facilities provide mats and props. On HHT’s more rustic adventures we’ll instruct in advance whether you need to pack a mat.

How can I pre-train for HHT’s eco-activities?:
HHT adventures are in the “soft” category and, for the most part, optional. If you are moderately fit you’ll be able to match the pace of your comrades. Following are some guidelines…

  • Hikes: Altitude sickness is serious business. If traveling to high altitude destinations (such as the Peruvian Inca Trail) expect to take a day or two upon arrival to adjust before hiking high altitudes. A few months prior to the trip it is advisable to practice regular pre-training hikes at gradually increasing higher altitudes. Camping trips will require that you heft a day pack while hiking, but the bulk of the equipment will be carried by pack mules and/or assisting guides.
  • Water Sports: Upper body and core strength recommended here. Start your Pilates™ yoga and Gyrokinesis® sessions before the trip if you can. Pilates™, yoga and Gyrokinesis® all increase strength. Resistance training of any kind is beneficial. Sport-specific experts will be on hand to teach and coach when water sports take place.
  • Horseback Riding: Pilates™ and yoga recommended as fabulous pre-training methods.

How can I combat jet lag?:
Here are some helpful hints that may lessen jet lag woes.

  • Pre-flight: Exercise before the flight. This helps you relax and sleep on longer flights. Drinks lots of water. There are claims that taking Melatonine for a few days prior to flying may deter jet lag. Take extra vitamin C and B complex, which are immune system boosters. A new medication, No Jet Lag, is receiving great reviews. Read about it at www.nojetlag.com.
  • In-flight: Dress comfortably, in loose clothes – cotton recommended as it breathes better than synthetics or other man-made fabrics. Use earplugs, a c-curve neck cushion, and an eye mask as onboard sleep aids. Re-hydrate with water throughout the flight. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not overeat. Exercise by doing simple stretches and walking. Set your watch to your destination’s time.
  • Post-flight: Conflicting theories on this, but many health experts suggest you find the sun upon arrival at your destination and let your body adjust naturally. If you arrive during the day try not to sleep until that night.

What should I pack?

One light bag and one carry-on will be sufficient. Items to include for survival kit are:

  • Environmental protection: sun block, sun hat, insect repellent, folding umbrella, and a light raincoat.
  • For tropics: quick drying clothes and shoes. Leave your jeans at home.
  • For hiking: comfortable, travel-friendly hiking boots, daypack, water bottle
  • Water sports: shoes designed for kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting
  • Money belt (or equivalent)
  • Sewing kit
  • Stretchy braided clothesline
  • Toilet paper
  • Traveler-size packs of stain remover and laundry detergent.
  • Exercise gear: several sets of workout clothes of your choice, socks, bathing suit and on HHT trips where specified, a roll-up yoga mat
  • Flash light with extra batteries
  • Camera with extra batteries and film (at least 1 roll per day)
  • Foreign currency equivalence list
  • Foreign phrase book
  • Copies of passport, ID papers, insurance policies, medication lists, eyeglass prescription
  • Extra eyeglasses and shades
  • Collapsible bag for shopping and to pack and take home purchases
  • Large envelope to mail home in advance papers and brochures from your travels
  • Water resistant watch
  • Travel alarm clock/calculator
  • Plastic bottle of iodine
  • Safety pins
  • Pocket calculator
  • Zip-lock bags (storage)
  • Whistle (protection)
  • Documents: passport (when required), visa (when required), ID, address book, driver’s license, credit card, travel tickets, printed itinerary with contact information for lodgings.

Do I need a Visa?:
Depends on the destination. HHT will let you know for each journey.

Do I need to be immunized?:
HHT will let you know what is required for a particular journey. Consult a physician of health clinic before traveling to tropical, Third World destinations. They will know what is needed for the journey at hand and administer the vaccines.

Do I need travelers’ insurance?:
Highly recommended! Having International medical and trip cancellation insurance will ease your stress.

Some reputable providers:

Lodgings, etc…

May I have a private room?:
On most HHT journey’s single occupancy is available for an additional cost.

May I change rooms?:
Yes, if another room is available.

Do spas have etiquette?:
Here are some tips to enhance your spa experience.

  • Schedule treatment appointments prior to arrival if possible.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early for scheduled appointments.
  • Do express your preference of a male or female therapist, if this is an issue for you.

And, here’s some Recommended Reading:

Some titles to browse at travel bookstores, most major booksellers, and on line at www.amazon.com , www.travelerstales.com , www.longitude.com, and www.moontravelerhandbooks.com.

Travel

National Geographic Ultimate Adventure Sourcebook – chalk full of good information.

Gutsy Women by Marybeth Bond, Travelers’ Tales Guides – advice for women travelers

A Woman’s World, edited by Marybeth Bond, Travelers’ Tales Guides – true travel stories

Nationall Geographic Traveler Magazine

National Geographic Adventurer Magazine

Mind – Body – Spirit

The Pilates Body, by Brooke Syler

Yoga – the Poetry of the Body, by Rodney Yee with Nina Zolotow

Yoga International magazine

Yoga Journal

Spirituality & Health magazine