Fitness expert reveals tips on how to survive the predicted 125,000+ step count if you’re heading to Glastonbury

Mecca Bingo has collaborated with fitness expert, Mollie Millington, to reveal tips on what to pack and how to physically prepare for Glastonbury Festival  

Google Trends data has revealed that ‘Glastonbury weather’ searches have been up +600% during the past 30 days, showing that festival goers are preparing for their trip 

From packing athletic tape to practicing squats ready for the Portaloo‘s, Mollie explains all you need to know so you can enjoy the festival fun without sore feet or aching legs 

Festival season has begun, and searches for ‘How big is Glastonbury festival?’ (+100%) and ‘Glastonbury weather’ (+600%) have increased significantly over the past 30 days*. However, many festival goers may not have a packing list ready which is suitable for the weather and the physical activity Glastonbury has in store. 

Mecca Bingo has collaborated with Mollie Millington, the Happiness Personal Trainer, to reveal five top tips on how to prepare for Glastonbury, especially considering the significant size of land and wide selection of stages, areas and acts at the festival. 

Mollie explained “You can think of a football field being approximately 1 acre. Worthy Farm is approximately 900 acres so there is a lot of ground to cover if you are attending Glastonbury (and that doesn’t even include dancing!).  
 
You will easily hit 10,000 steps walking from your tent to the stages. A few regulars have estimated 25,000-30,000/day, but of course, this may be more or less, depending on what you want to do each day.“ 

Mollie has further provided both fitness and festival survival tips, so both first timers and festival veterans can ensure they’re prepared for the more-than-average step count (and the unpredictable weather…):

1. Prepare for lots of walking: If you normally drive a car or don’t often hit 10,000 steps, it might be a good time to start walking a bit more each day. Use this time to identify a pair of comfortable shoes you can stand in all day (and can withstand mud). Typically, I would advise going for function over fashion and would recommend a running trail shoe.  If you are opting for wellies, you might want to invest in insoles that will offer a bit more support. 

2. Avoid blisters: Pack athletic tape, such as Rock tape or KT tape, and scissors to tape your feet up before the start of each day if you tend to get blisters in the same spot (e.g., little toe, ball of foot, heel, and even the top of your foot in roomy wellies).  

3. Ease tired muscles: To help your sore muscles after a long night of dancing, pack a massage ball or stick, muscle rub, and pain medicine for swelling and pain.  You can also elevate your feet for a little refresh of your legs. 

4. Portaloo prep: Visiting the toilet isn’t the most glamorous of events, especially at a festival. However, if you want to embrace the festival spirit, you can work on squatting, to get your body ready for hovering over the portable toilets.   

5. Final thoughts: Glastonbury is an endurance event like no other.  You can think of it as a city break in the middle of a farm field so make sure you are prepared for what will be an unbelievable experience. 

Abbey, 35, from Manchester adds:  

“I couldn’t believe it when I reached a grand total of 115,000 steps (92km), from walking around Glastonbury between Wednesday and Monday morning. 

By the end of the weekend, I remember my leg muscles and feet were aching so much, but I’m blaming lockdown, as I clearly lost my fitness from not being able to attend the previous few years! I will definitely be training ahead of the next time I attend Glastonbury or a large festival. You don’t realise how many steps you’re doing, especially when dancing along to the music, until you get back to your tent at the end of the day and take your shoes off.” 

For more information about Glastonbury and other festivals in the UK, visit: 10 UK Festivals 2023 | Mecca Bingo