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Taking time off for a holiday benefits us in so many ways. It gives us a chance to reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones, helping to improve our mental health by lowering stress levels and allowing us time to unwind. A bonus effect of these renewed feelings of mental well-being is that our physical health improves too! For instance, we automatically benefit from reduced blood pressure and stress hormones.
If you want to boost the fantastic physical effects your holiday can have on your body, read on!
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic used to a strict workout routine and want to keep up your momentum, or you are looking forward to taking it easy but would like to add in a touch of fitness for that overall glow of total well-being, here are some fun and easy ways to incorporate some added health and fitness into your holiday:
Pack Well
Remember to pack some comfy walking or workout clothes and shoes. Even if you didn’t set out to put exercise on your list of holiday priorities, you might find you have a sudden burst of motivation, and so being prepared means you’ll never have to miss out.
Stretch it out
Especially if you have travelled long distances by car or plane, having a little stretch a couple of times a day will help to ease muscle tension and help you to relax as well.
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Days out
Plan a day of sightseeing and try to plan your adventures on foot or even by bike where possible. If you skip the taxi rides; aside from the health aspect, you’ll also see far more this way than it whizzing quick as a flash past a window!
Balance
Try to include some movement into your daily itinerary. Have you planned a day to spend lounging by the pool? Try to mix it up a little and add a long evening stroll to balance it out.
Take a walk
Did you know that a 15-minute brisk walk burns 100 calories! Taking a little walk now and again will be enough to get your heart rate up and release all of those happy endorphins. We have some fantastic hiking trails and walking routes, ask at reception for maps.
Hit the gym
Take advantage of the gym! If you’ve always wanted to take out a gym membership but have felt unsure or just not had the time, then now is your chance to try it out! You’ll find that resort staff will be more than happy to give you great personal tips and advice on safely using the equipment. Of course, if you’re already a seasoned gym-goer, you can carry on where you left off with your routine!
Take up a sport
Try out a brand-new sport or hobby! Your holiday is a fantastic time to try something new; how about some water sports or horseback riding? A cycle through the woods? Or grab your friends or family together for some friendly competition on the tennis court!
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Run a new path
Enjoy a jog or a run in your new surroundings! If you are used to running on a treadmill or running the same route around your neighbourhood, then relish this opportunity to explore your new environment. Here, you’ll be jogging through forests and alongside glistening lakes.
A round of golf
Not only is it great fun but if you opt-out of using the buggy, it’s another way to boost your step count.
Try something new
Take up a new style of exercise class. If something like Yoga or Zumba is not usually your style, then your holiday is the perfect excuse to get a little out of your comfort zone and try something different. Who knows, you might find your new favourite exercise in the process!
Reward yourself a little
Work Hard/Play Hard is a fitting expression here; if you set a goal to swim lengths in the pool in the morning, then be sure to treat yourself to an afternoon spent relaxing and luxuriating in the Spa or even adding in a massage, you deserve it!
…most importantly
Have fun!!
Holidays are a time to refresh, renew and re-energise away from any stresses and worries of everyday life! So, loosen up, laugh, rest and have fun and you’ll be sure to return home feeling your very best self!
