Holiday Health

Most holidays mean lazing by the pool, eating lots of good food and sipping cocktails. But it doesn't have to be that way. You may not have access to your usual running route or favourite gym equipment but there's lots of alternative ways to keep fit but most importantly have fun whilst on holiday.

Like myself, many of you may only go on one holiday per year, so when you do finally get to go, you want to have as much fun and relaxation time as possible. Which is why exercise and nutrition can, and most likely do, suffer. I have recently got back from a two week holiday to the Caribbean, everyday we would see people running around the resort or heading to the gym. I don't know about you, but I really did not fancy doing structured, strenuous exercise in the heat and humidity. 

So what is an easy, fun solution? Well, I have put some ideas together, most of which I did myself, which I feel work well at keeping your fitness ticking over but also allow you to enjoy yourself with family and friends!

1. It sounds obvious, but swimming is one of the easiest forms of exercise to do on holiday. More often than not you'll be sat by the pool anyway, so why not go for a dip? Swimming can have multiple benefits on holiday, you are not only getting some exercise, but you will also cool yourself down and escape the heat for a while. It doesn't have to be regimented lane swimming either, a couple of lengths of easy swimming whilst talking to your family/friends, or even swimming to the bar is better than nothing. Slow swimming can still burn around 25 calories every 5 minutes.

 Snorkelling also works great, either in the pool or in the sea, you have so much fun looking around under the water you completely forget that you are exercising!

2. Depending on where you are on holiday, water sports might be available. Anything from kayaking, to paddle boarding will be a good form of exercise, especially if you are fighting against waves and currents in the sea! Stand up paddle boarding can burn around 300 calories per 30 minute session and provides a good core workout. Similarly kayaking can burn around 200 calories per half hour, and works your whole upper body.

3. Depending on your chosen resort, other sports and activities may also be available. The resort which I stayed at had a sports hub where you could play tennis, football, basketball and baseball, all great forms of cardio that are also fun for everyone in your holiday party to be involved in. For those who are competitive why not compete in your own mini tournament?

4. Again, depending on where you are on holiday, you may decide to explore the local area. You can take to the road on foot or hire a bike to explore a bigger area faster. And guess what? Walking and cycling are great forms of cardio burning 100 and 48 calories per mile respectivley!

So next time you find yourself on holiday, remember these tips and you'll find yourself feeling both healthy and happy!