Small Steps, Big Changes: Tools for Transformation

By Leslii Stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher

Fitness on the road.

When you’re on the road, constantly moving from one gig to the next, finding a gym or sticking to a regular routine can feel like an impossible task. For years, I toured as the media and photographer for Jonny Lang, Experience Hendrix and many other rock groups, and while it was an incredible experience, it came with its own set of challenges. Hotel gyms weren’t always available, and sometimes, I didn’t even stay in a hotel room long enough to unpack. So, I had to get creative and use whatever tools I could find or bring with me to maintain my health and fitness.

I started with the basics: my resistance bands, my yoga mat, and some key tools I knew would help me stay on track. I’d wake up before dawn to practice yoga, focusing on myofascial release with my myofascial ball and resistance bands. The road may have been unpredictable, but my commitment to staying healthy wasn’t. My workout space was often a hotel room floor, a corner of a backstage area, or even outside, using the space around me to my advantage.

It’s been through my experiences, from tour buses to backstages, that I developed my Tools of Transformation program. The beauty of this program is that it isn’t about having the perfect gym, fancy equipment, or a lot of space. It's about using what you’ve got and embracing the small steps that lead to big changes. That’s the essence of Tools of Transformation, fitness and wellness that fits into your life, no matter where you are or what your schedule looks like.

The Tools I Used: Bringing Fitness to the Road

Resistance Bands: Your Portable Powerhouse

Resistance Bands: Your Portable Powerhouse

When I couldn’t find the perfect gym, my resistance bands became my best friend. These bands are versatile, portable, and allow for a full-body workout that targets strength, flexibility, and mobility, all in the space of a hotel room or even outdoors. Resistance bands are perfect for my "I’m with the Band" program, which uses these simple tools to enhance strength training, flexibility, and even rehabilitation. You can do everything from banded squats and rows to lateral walks and deadlifts. These small, inexpensive tools helped me stay strong and injury-free while constantly on the move.

Myofascial Release: Using the Tools Around Me

Rolling out tension

Whether it was after a long night of shooting or recovering from a stressful day, I made sure to prioritize myofascial release. Whether I had a ball or just a random object nearby, like a broom stick or a pvc pipe, I’d roll out the tension from my muscles, helping me relax, recover, and get ready for the next adventure. This part of my routine became a key component of the "Rolling with the Band" program, which is designed to help with recovery and injury prevention. Through myofascial release techniques, I could literally work out the tension from my body, helping me heal faster and feel better day by day.

Yoga: Finding Peace in the Chaos

Finding Peace in the Chaos.

No matter how chaotic the tour schedule got, my yoga mat was always packed. It was my grounding tool, my anchor when everything around me was moving at full speed. I’d start the day with breathwork, flow through yoga poses, and use mindfulness to stay centered amidst the hustle of tour life. Yoga wasn’t just for flexibility; it was for mental clarity, focus, and peace. This is why I’ve integrated restorative yoga into my Tools of Transformation program, because physical strength needs to be balanced with mental strength. "Lengthen & Strengthen" has been designed to combine these two elements, so clients get the best of both worlds.

Shadow Boxing: Fitness Meets Fun

Shadow boxing for strength and stress relief during travel.

Let’s not forget one of my favorite stress relievers: shadow boxing. There’s something incredibly empowering about punching and moving through the air, whether it's for cardio, stress relief, or just having fun. Shadow boxing was an unexpected tool I used to stay active and relieve stress while juggling the demands of the road. It’s one of the many fun elements I’ve brought into my Tools of Transformation program, providing a fun, energetic way to release tension while building strength and endurance.

Private & Semi-Private Training: Small Steps, Big Results

While traveling, I learned that sometimes, private training or semi-private sessions are the key to making fitness work in your life. Whether it’s one-on-one attention or small groups of like-minded individuals, personalized training is essential for achieving real results. That’s why I created a training program that incorporates resistance bands, myofascial release, yoga, and other holistic methods into one customized experience. It’s perfect for athletes, beginners, or anyone looking to tone up or lose weight.

If you’ve ever tried to get started on your fitness journey but didn’t know where to begin, my Tools of Transformation program is designed to meet you where you are. Whether you choose a private session or semi-group training, we’ll work together to find the best path forward for your unique goals.

Yoga on the road

Get Started Today!

No matter where you are or what you’re working toward, remember that small steps lead to big changes. Whether it’s using a simple tool like a resistance band or taking time to release tension with myofascial release, these tools are powerful. And they can work for you, no matter what stage you’re in on your fitness journey. Tools of Transformation is here to help you build strength, flexibility, and confidence, one small step at a time.

“Ready to start your own transformation? Join a private or semi-private Tools of Transformation session today.”

Let's Shake Things Up Together & Rock This Earth!!!

Leslii