It’s safe to say, 2020 and 2021 was a complete blur. Here we are fast approaching December and the year of 2022. We’re here to guide you on how to stay active on holiday and to take these tips with you into next year to make these changes a habit.
Keeping active on holiday is far more beneficial than the physical benefits. We see a lot of people train extremely hard throughout the year to look a certain way, only to throw it all away over the holidays with binge-eating and drinking.
While it’s perfectly fine to rest during the holidays, and to eat delicious meals with your family and friends, we tend to forget at times the emotional benefits of staying active.
Lockdown has proven how important physical exercise is for your mental health. And while you might be enjoying your time, finally being with some friends and family, we should also remember the importance of our mental health.
Read on about our simple tips to stay active on holiday.
Exercising on holiday?
This doesn’t mean hitting the gym everyday, or doing an intense workout everyday. If that is something that you love doing on holiday, then do what makes you happy. If that is not appealing to you on holiday then we’re here to help you stay active while also enjoying time with your loved ones.
Take your workouts outside
Taking your workouts outside can completely change your perception of seeing workouts as a chore while on holiday. Take your mat outside and do your workout outside. Breathe in the fresh air, views and sounds of nature. No matter how small your outside space is, it could completely change your mindset once you feel the crisp air or warm sun on your skin.
Workout with friends or family
If you include your friends or family (of all ages) into your holiday workouts, we guarantee your workouts to be far more fun and interesting! Making it a joined workout will allow you to laugh together, sweat together and make better lifestyle choices for the rest of the day.
Do workouts that doesn’t feel like a workout
Things like hiking, surfing, swimming, Stand Up Paddle board, skiing… You name it. Whether you’re at the beach, in the mountains or on a winter holiday, there’s bound to be a sport you can do outside that will challenge you, and have you burn calories without even thinking about it.
Plus you get to experience your surroundings, be challenged, and have fun while doing it.
Keep them short
If you prefer to stick to a program while on holiday, then try to keep them short. Try to aim for 30min or less. On days where you have more time then try to work in some longer sessions and see how your body and mind feels. If you’re pushing for hours long workouts, chances are you will most probably start dreading it, and skipping it altogether.
Knowing that it’s only 20minutes give or take, will sound far more appealing, and will be achievable to maintain throughout your holiday.
New activewear
Nothing makes you more motivated than a pair of new activewear. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, but get a few affordable pieces (hello Black Friday sales) and pack a few in your suitcase.
Walking
One of the most underrated forms of exercise, but the most maintainable, and dare we say it – beneficial – in the long run.
Walk to go get a coffee, to the beach, or take a walk to park near you or to the grocery store. Get those steps in, while having an end goal of what you needed to do. Get your friends and family members to join you on your walks to help make it a social activity. We love walking for all of its benefits, and picking up the pace will get your heart rate up which is your cardio for the day done.
Join a studio
If you struggle with motivation on holiday, then perhaps you’ll benefit best in joining a fitness studio close to you. Book yourself in for classes in advance, making it at a reasonable time in the am before plans and excuses get in the way.
Online classes
If there’s no fitness studios close to you, then joining an online class, especially in real time, will feel like having a personal trainer right in your living room. Having someone push you without even needing gym equipment, could be a big help to keep you going this holiday.
Just keep active. Whether you choose nature activities, short workouts with your family and friends, joining a class or simply walking everyday, stick to it. Rather do a little bit everyday, than burning yourself out with far too intense workouts within the first week.
Balance is key. Having an intense workout just to not feel guilty about the pizza you’ll eat later, will be creating bad binge habits. Instead, enjoy the pizza without guilt, have a short quality workout, take a walk after dinner, and you’ll feel relaxed and energised throughout your holiday, and stepping into the new year.
We would love to know what your favourite ways of staying active on holiday is, so be sure to share with us!
If you’re looking for an online studio or an in-person studio near you, be sure to browse through our long list of studios, to find your perfect fitness studio match!
