Keeping Fit on Holiday - Top 10 Tips

Most people look at a holiday as being a relaxing break or time off work. However, for some people it maybe interrupting your fitness streak! If you have a fitness plan that you’re 100% committed to or you just plan on keeping fit, a holiday may create a complex issue to be solved. Fear not – help is at hand… Hopefully! If you’re going away on a family holiday there are many ways you can keep fit, active and healthy, for you and the whole family. Here are our top 10 tips:

Tip 1: Pack your trainers! You never know when your trainers and fitness clothes may come in handy. There may be a perfect time when you feel you could go out for a run, whether it be early morning or part way through the day when your family reaches those times when they just want to relax. Pick a time that suits you but if you haven’t packed your trainers you’ll regret it!

Tip 2: Try a new sport that the whole family can enjoy! Whether this be badminton, tennis or even cycling, as long as you’re active, you’ll be burning calories. Cycling is also the perfect way to get around, as well as keeping fit. It’s great if you have younger children to hop on board a trailer attached to the back of an adult bike – the best thing is, they love it too! It’s certainly worth taking your own if you have them, if not, there are many places to hire some suitable bikes for your needs whether its just for the day or even for the week.

Tip 3: Avoid snacking on unhealthy foods. Whilst on holiday it’s so easy to let go of your well kept diet when you see so much delicious food surrounding you. It’s also too easy to just think “why not – I’m on holiday!” It’s okay to relax your diet plan once in a while however it’s the regular snacking on sweets, chocolate and crisps in between meals that’s the main problem. Try to keep your snacking to a minimum and if you do get a little hungry, try having a piece of fruit or nuts.

Tip 4: Remember you are probably being more active than you think! On holiday, you’re pretty much always on the go and surprisingly, you’ll be doing more exercise than normal. With all of the extra walking around attractions or sights, it’s surprising how tired you’ll get. So you may not need to do as much exercise as first planned.

Tip 5: If you are sticking to a training plan, decide what you are doing at least a day in advanced. This way, you will be able to work out the best times to train, whether it be first thing or late at night. That way, you’re not going to run out of time in your day for fitness!

Tip 6: Before your holiday, research what facilities there are in your area, there maybe a good trail, swimming pool or gym you can go to. You might also be able to get a pass for your stay that might save you a bit of money as you don’t particularly want to buy a gym membership for the month if you’re only going to be there for a couple of weeks.

Tip 7: If you’re family are keen runners, see what races there are in the surrounding area. If you haven’t already, check out Park Runs as they are Saturday runs around the world that anyone can enter, click here for more information. If you don’t fancy racing, running is a great way to see the sights, just make sure you take water with you if you’re planning on running for a while.

Tip 8: Get good quality sleep in! On holiday you’re going to be very busy so it’s important to get some good quality sleep so that you can give 100% throughout your holiday. This is particularly important if you are increasing your active minutes as you are going to be even more tired than usual.

Tip 9: Try not too drink excessive amounts of alcohol. It’s surprising how many calories are packed within your drink, so just keep this in mind whilst enjoying yourself, especially if you’re away with friends. Did you know that a glass of wine can have the same calories as four cookies? – shocking isn’t it!

Tip 10: Stay hydrated! Whilst taking part in all this exercise, don’t forget to stay hydrated (not with alcohol)! Your body is made up of two-thirds water so it’s important to keep hydrated. This will help with the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain and muscles. If you don’t get enough fluid you may feel tired, get headaches and not feel your best which will definitely affect your holiday.

These are our top 10 tips… Tried and tested!