The holiday season is nearly upon us! If you are worried about how your well-earned break will affect your fitness/weight loss goals read on for some tips to help keep you on track.
- Don’t lose sight of your end goal.
You may have put in months (or years!) of hard work, there’s no reason why a holiday should spoil that. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining your plan but also enjoying your break and making the most of rest days. Plan ahead, think about the type of workouts you can do, how you will keep track of what you’re eating and don’t forget to take some lightweight workout clothes that can be hand washed. If you are flying wear your trainers on the journey for comfort and to save the added weight in your luggage!
- Make HIIT workouts your best friend.
Simple exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, planks and star jumps can be mixed up into a mini 30-minute workout. 30 seconds of work at maximum effort followed by 30 secs rest for each exercise and repeat is all you need. Don’t forget to build a warm up and cool down into those 30 mins. My weekly HIIT classes will give you good ideas of what to include, you could even use one of the sessions to take on holiday with you. Click here for more information.
- You don’t need equipment.
No gym? Don’t panic. Body weight exercises are just as effective, as are swimming and running. Use what you have to get what you want!
- Make the most of your new surroundings.
A walk or jog along the beach, exploring local towns, a swim in the pool (or sea!) or a bike ride all count as long as it’s at a good pace and raises your heart rate.
- Include the family!
It’s likely you’re going away to spend time with your loved ones so don’t exclude them. Enjoy rounders on the beach, a game of football or volleyball, jumping waves, digging holes in the sand, a simple game of tag, they’ll thank you for it and it’s likely to create lots of laughter and special memories. Involve little ones in your workouts too, they’ll love trying to copy you!
Most of all enjoy! You’ve probably worked hard to get in shape for the holiday so maintain it but don’t feel guilty about the odd treat, you are on holiday after all..
Sarah Brookes Personal Trainer 