If you followed along on Instagram @Pilates4Fitness, you know that part of October was not spent in the usual spaces. Instead, I proudly joined a colleague and co-led our movement practice across the Atlantic, trading the four walls for the golden cliffs, tiled streets, and endless horizons of Portugal.
From October 11th to the 18th, we led nine others on a movement excursion that was about so much more than just exercise. It was about exploring the angles of a new landscape and finding new curves within ourselves. And if I had to pick one word to describe what happened, it would be vibrant. Not only what we did, as a colorful group of women (most of us traveling together – as a group – for the first time) but also, from the geometric beauty of Portugal’s landscape, from parks to dusty trails of the countryside, and the vista views of Nazarene.
Here is a recap of a week well spent, in no particular order.
City Views & Lisbon Light
We spent two days in Lisbon and stayed at the Moxi Hotel; ending the trip soaking up the atmosphere in Lisbon. I got to check in with my cousin, Len Raney over breakfast, and the group spent time at the top of Parque Eduardo VII, looking down over the manicured hedges toward the river. It was the perfect place to just pause and breathe.
Pure joy. Capturing the laughter and the light at the top of the city.
Taking in the panoramic views of Lisbon—the geometry of the park meeting the horizon.
It wasn’t just about the views, though; it was about the feeling of being there. Whether posing against the backdrop of the city or just watching the world go by, the energy was infectious.
Slow Mornings & Café Culture
You can’t do Portugal without diving into the café culture. Thanks to Anayra, we were led to some incredible spots to fuel up before our adventures; savoring the coffee, enjoying the avocado toast, and actually finishing the conversation before looking at our phones.
The essentials: Strong coffee, sweet treats, and zero rush.
Into the Wild Horseback Riding
One of the absolute highlights of the week was the early morning ride thru sandy trails lined with cedar and eucalyptus trees. Fragrant and peaceful, and absolutely magical.
Trotting through the eucalyptus trees. The smell of the woods and the sound of hooves was therapeutic.
Some of us were a little more free and fluid than others and I really got a kick out of traipsing thru the woods and into the arenas, feeling completely disconnected from the stress of daily life and fully connected to nature.
Following the leader. A beautiful day for a ride in the arena.
After the ride, we had some time to chat with the instructors and just hang out at the stables. It’s these little in-between moments—laughing after a ride, taking off the helmets—that stick with you.
The Winery Tour
We toured a hundred+ year old, family owned vineyard, Quinta do Sanguinhal, and there is no question it was a highlight of the week.
Believe it or not, I think after the wine tasting we actually returned to the property for a sunset yoga class overlooking the infinity pool.
Gina & Anayra
Golden Hours & Quiet Evenings
We wrapped up our days chasing sunsets. Portugal gave us some spectacular ones. There is nothing quite like sitting by an infinity pool, watching the sky turn from blue to fiery orange, silhouetting the tall grass.
Final Thoughts
This week in Portugal was a reminder that 2025 is about balance. It’s about the excitement of a gallop through the trees and the stillness of a sunset. It’s about good food and friends. Here’s to carrying this energy through into the coming year.
There is no question, this excursion was a highlight of my year and an incredible amount of work and planning was required to make it happen.
Anayra deserves all the credit and kudos for that; I am grateful we collaborated together.
And I am even more grateful for her leadership in pulling it off! It would not have come off without a hitch without her! Believe that!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the adventure. You showed up, you moved through the challenges, and you laughed with Anayra and I every step of the way.
Gina Jackson, is a classically trained Pilates Teacher and has been teaching along the Gold Coast of Hudson and Bergen County, NJ for the past fifteen+ years.
Certified by Power Pilates of New York, Gina has trained with Master Teachers Bob Liekens, Susan Moran and Brett Howard; loved workshop training with Cary Regan and Blossom Leilani-Crawford and has particularly enjoyed listening to the personal stories as told by Pilates Elders, Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel.
An active teacher and blogger, Gina manages a private personal training business supporting a myriad of clients, teaching all to honor their health, strength and life with the principles of Pilates at its core.