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If you are about to have a well-deserved break by the sea or somewhere near water, there is no need to worry about losing your hard-earned fitness and shape during a week or two of lounging. First and foremost, relax and enjoy lounging on a sunbed. However, if you lead an active lifestyle, be sure to plan some physical activity during your holiday. You’ll feel fit, it will make you happy and you’ll recharge your batteries even more on such a holiday.
If you regularly go to the gym, run, cycle or hike, it doesn’t mean you have to continue the same routine on your holiday. Give your body and mind a rest and incorporate your favourite sports activities into your holiday programme in a gentle manner. Or why not try something different for a change? Don’t be afraid to get out of your usual routine. Let’s look at specific activities and tips to help you stay fit while enjoying your holiday.
1. A morning run is a great start to the day
Running along the seaside promenade or on the sandy shore has an indescribable atmosphere. On hot summer days, it’s ideal to plan your run for the morning, especially on holidays when temperatures soar during the day. In the evening, the temperatures are relatively bearable, but there’s often the problem of having to dodge numerous people when running.
We recommend setting aside time for your holiday run in the morning. If you’re an early bird, it won’t be a problem to get up early and peacefully enjoy the sound of the sea and the morning atmosphere while everyone else is still asleep. It will be a great start to the day and you’ll enjoy the hotel breakfast and subsequent relaxation even more.
Regarding the pace, remember that during your holiday, there’s no need to push yourself and it’s all about the type of training you feel up to at the moment. You can jog at a leisurely pace or, if you feel like it, go for effective intervals on flat ground or stairs, or a shorter tempo run.
2. Swimming and water sports will refresh you
Swimming is another great way to stay active and fit during your holiday. If you have access to a hotel pool, a few lengths in the morning or evening will certainly serve its fitness purpose. However, we recommend learning proper swimming techniques and styles – at least breaststroke with breathing out into the water or freestyle (ideally breathing on both sides for balanced effort).
Swimming in the sea offers a completely different energy. Some prefer swimming along the shore, while others swim towards buoys and back. It’s important to be cautious as a cramp in deep water far from shore is definitely not something you want to experience. You need to know how to go with the waves rather than fight them. When breathing above the water surface due to waves, we recommend lifting your head a bit higher and looking forward more often while doing freestyle for a better orientation in the water.
Water sports like paddleboarding, windsurfing, water skiing and diving are becoming increasingly popular. These are great ways to stay active while still feeling that you’re on holiday and you’re having fun.
3. Explore the surroundings by bike
Renting a bicycle and exploring familiar or unknown paths around your destination is also a perfect option. A bicycle is a great way to discover the surroundings, nature and towns. Often, you’ll find cycling more efficient than driving a car and you’ll get to places you wouldn’t have visited otherwise.
4. Exercise your body and mind
Does none of the mentioned sports appeal to you? In that case, we have a lot of other fitness activities like pilates, aqua aerobics or bodyweight exercises. You might even find that the daily schedule of your holiday includes pilates, yoga or water aerobics. It’s an interesting way to spice up your holiday day and can have have fun with other holidayers.
If you don’t like group exercise, how about training with resistance bands or a skipping rope which are also very packable for your suitcase? And of course, you can do bodyweight exercises anytime and anywhere. Squats, lunges, planks… there are many exercises you can easily incorporate into your holiday routine. The hotel gym might be another option, which is especially handy on a rainy day.
5. Walking improves both figure and mood
Walking is one of the simplest and most natural ways to stay in shape. Nice distances can be covered on various optional trips too. You can take a walk along the coast, explore the city, visit landmarks or take a short hike in the surrounding area. Every destination has something to offer, even if it’s just a nearby hill or a walk through the local market.
6. Balance in the diet
If you want to feel healthy and fit during your holiday, a balanced diet goes hand in hand with active movement. All-inclusive dining is very convenient, but it can also be tricky, and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to resist all the goodies the hotel restaurant offers. Try to pick a few dishes you want to taste, share desserts with loved ones, but mainly, don’t try to eat everything at once. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to salads and fruits; feel free to treat yourself to local specialities and savour meals with friends and family. Don’t stress about food and enjoy your holiday. If you engage in the mentioned physical activities during your holiday, the consumed calories will burn quickly and you’ll feel good.
Holiday destinations offer plenty of physical activities and it’s up to you to choose what you feel like doing. And even if you decide to spend the entire day relaxing on the beach, don’t feel guilty. Alternate more relaxing days with active ones or set aside time for physical activity each day.
