Global pop star Dua Lipa is once again proving that a packed travel schedule doesn’t have to come at the cost of health and fitness. In a January 4 Instagram video shared by British Vogue, the singer opened up about how she stays consistent with her workouts while constantly moving between cities, countries, and time zones. Her secret is surprisingly simple: she always travels with her yoga mat.
For Dua, fitness is less about elaborate gym setups and more about maintaining a sense of routine, no matter where she is in the world. The yoga mat, she explained, acts as a constant in an otherwise ever-changing schedule, allowing her to ground herself and move her body wherever she lands.
Dua Lipa’s travel fitness mantra
When asked about her ultimate travel essential, Dua didn’t hesitate for a second. She shared that her yoga mat is non-negotiable, calling it something she “always, always” packs.
Yoga, however, is not just a casual stretch session for the pop sensation. During the conversation, she revealed a major milestone in her fitness journey: mastering the advanced transition from crow pose to a headstand. Known among yoga practitioners as a demanding move, the transition requires intense focus, balance, and strength.
Why the crow-to-headstand transition is so challenging
The movement from bakasana, or crow pose, into a headstand is far from easy. It begins in a deep squat position, where balance and mobility are established. From there, the practitioner shifts into crow pose, placing weight through the hands while resting the knees against the triceps. The real challenge comes during the forward lean, when the head gently lowers to the mat to form a stable tripod base with the arms. Finally, with controlled breathing and strong core engagement, the legs are lifted upward into a vertical headstand.
According to Dua, the move is incredibly rewarding. She described it as an excellent way to strengthen the core while improving control, stability, and upper-body strength. In her words, it’s a “win-win” workout that delivers both physical and mental benefits.