As anticipation builds for this year’s Glastonbury Festival, seasoned attendees are sharing crucial advice to help first-timers prepare their bodies for the demands of the event. Set amidst the iconic fields of Worthy Farm and headlined by The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young, the festival promises a high-energy weekend filled with extensive walking and dancing.
A popular post on the r/GlastonburyFestival subreddit highlights a common issue many face by festival’s end: lower back pain. The underlying cause? Tight hamstrings that lead to pelvic misalignment. The post advises future revellers to start stretching their hamstrings now and to focus on hip mobility exercises, as well as strengthening their core and glutes to reduce discomfort.
Many in the community echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building stamina through daily walks and overall fitness ahead of the festival. One user shared their routine of walking every day after work to get into “festival shape,” while another described Glastonbury as “an endurance challenge” that demands thorough physical preparation.
Specific stretches, particularly hip flexor stretches recommended by physiotherapists, have been noted as effective in improving back pain and hip mobility. Incorporating these exercises, along with yoga, can offer significant relief during the festival’s long days.
Attendees also shared anecdotes about the distances covered during Glastonbury, with some walking up to 10-15 miles daily—equivalent to completing over three marathons across the weekend. For those already at the festival experiencing discomfort, the Healing Fields offer yoga sessions designed to provide restorative relief.
This collective wisdom from past Glastonbury-goers highlights the importance of preparing physically to fully enjoy the festival experience without the burden of pain or fatigue.