It’s summer holiday season and many of you are soon to be heading off for somewhat sunnier climates. If, like us, you don’t like to completely abandon your work out regime, then the thought of not donning your gym kit and keeping fit on holiday can be a little daunting.
First off, don’t panic! There are plenty of ways for you to continue your training whilst away. Secondly, this is the perfect time to go off-piste. A holiday is there for you to enjoy, relax and get away from the usual day to day routine. This applies to your workout routine as well – do something different and keep your workouts short (40mins max).
Below are some tips on keeping fit on holiday.
1. Hotel Gyms
Nowadays it’s rare for hotels not to have a gym; however, they are generally smaller scale and won’t necessarily have all the equipment you are used to. This is not a bad thing and, personally, we love using hotel gyms for this very reason. You can get a great whole body workout done in under 40mins by using weight machines.
Workout 1
- Pick 6 exercise machines: squat, horizontal pull, horizontal push, hamstring/leg curl, vertical push and vertical pull
- Complete 2 sets of high reps (15) per exercises and them move onto the next exercise.
Workout 2
- Pick 5 exercise machines: lower body (squat), upper body push, lower body (hamstring), upper body pull and core
- Complete 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps alternating between lower & upper body exercises
2. Hotel Pool
Going somewhere warm? Then your hotel will likely have a pool. Switch up your regular gym routine for some pool circuits. A short and simple way of getting in some exercise and a great way for you to relax any aching muscles and joints.
Pool Workout
Complete 3-4 rounds
- Squat Jumps x 6
- Running on the spot x 1minute
- Later Jumps x 6 (3 each side)
- Leg Kicks x 1minute (hold onto pool side, extend out and kick your legs)
3. Explore the Local Area – Gyms & Swimming Pools
If your hotel doesn’t have a gym/pool, chances are that they have a deal with a local facility that holiday makers can use. Again, these gyms will have different equipment to your gym back home, but that is no bad thing. Try out different equipment or try a class.
Remember to keep your workouts under 40mins and just enjoy the experience of being somewhere else!
Tip: research your hotel and local area before heading off on holiday. Find out what facilities are at your hotel and within the local area and make contact before you head off – you may find that they have free gym passes / specialist classes running etc.
4. Who needs a gym? – be creative
Change up your fitness regime by avoiding the gym all together and trying a variety of activities.
- If you’re holidaying by the sea why not try kayaking, paddle boarding or surfing?
- Play volleyball or Frisbee on the beach – or any game you fancy!
- Arrange a day at the nearest national park / nature reserve and spend the day hiking, climbing and exploring
- Hire a bike and explore the area or go on a bike tour
- Plan a day walking and sigh-seeing (yes, it counts and you’ll be amazed just how many miles you can clock up wandering around a city)
- Specialist sport interest? Find out whether there are any places offering private tutoring for your sport / activity.
Keeping fit on holiday tips
Don’t stress! A break from the gym routine is a very good thing. The main thing to remember is that you are on holiday to relax and unwind; so forget the strict gym routines and enjoy short, intense workouts.
Always research the hotel and local area for activities that you can do whilst away and try a variety of things.
Hotel receptions are usually full of info leaflets about local attractions and activities – so have a good look when you check in. As well as getting a discount, you’ll usually find some fun, new activity to do.
