If you’re the kind of person who gets stressed out by the prospect of skipping a workout, not getting in enough protein or overdosing on sugar then you are probably as much of a fitness addict as I am. There is only one way for me to avoid losing my mind on a holiday and that is to keep up with my fitness routine whilst forgetting about all the other stresses and problems of my everyday life. Whether you choose to keep up with your fitness regime whilst on a holiday is down to personal preference and a week away from the gym will be more beneficial for some people in the long run. The tips below should help you stay in shape on holiday but remember to have fun and relax as hard as you work out!
1. Go self catered
99% of the time, eating out is a nutritional nightmare. There’s no way of telling for sure whether you’re getting the nutrients you need and you have no idea how much fat or sugar is being poured into your meal. Cook for yourself and you can try to eat the best you can as well as saving yourself some cash.
2. Bring the essentials
Take with you the most important items which you know you cannot get on holiday. These may include supplements, food scales, nuts, coconut oil, training clothing, trainers etc. If you have your essentials with you it will be much easier to keep on top of your exercise and nutrition.
3. Budget for quality food
Buying food on holiday can be more expensive than at home but meals out, deserts and alcohol will cost you a whole lot more. Don’t try to save money by avoiding buying healthy food, at the end of the day you are only cheating yourself. You can’t put a price on your health. Eat clean whenever you can but enjoy the occasional meal out or alcoholic drink if that’s your thing!
4. Choose an active holiday
Lying around by the pool all day may be some peoples idea of a holiday but personally the prospect of doing nothing for a week bores the hell out of me. If you choose an active holiday such as skiing, mountain biking, trekking, sailing, climbing etc. you will be doing a ton of cardio every day which will be hugely beneficial to your training as well as being great stress relief!
5. Use your bodyweight
If you can’t get access to a gym and aren’t on an active holiday, calisthenics are an excellent option for keeping your workouts going throughout your holiday. Get familiar with basic bodyweight exercises such as push ups, dips, pull ups, squats, crunches and inverted rows. Get creative using objects in your hotel room – do front raises with a chair, curl and upright row your suitcase and deadlift your bed!
6. Choose a hotel with a gym
If you have access to a gym on holiday then you can keep up with your training which should make your relaxation time feel more deserved as well as avoiding the shock to your system when you get back into your normal routine. You don’t have to go as hard as you usually would, take it easy and just enjoy your workouts for a week!
7. Enjoy yourself
Do not let your fitness goals ruin your holiday. Don’t worry if you don’t work yourself as hard as usual or don’t stay on top of your nutrition. Enjoy meals out with friends and family, treat yourself to a desert or two, spend some time relaxing de-stressing and have a few drinks to celebrate the good times! The amount of discipline you can have whilst still remaining relaxed will vary from person to person so do what’s right for you and do what will keep you happy!