Holiday Workouts

Away from the watchful eye of your personal trainer the calorie counting goes out the window – along with your strict exercise regime.

But you shouldn’t be so fast to ditch your healthy habits.  Exercising while travelling not only helps you keep up your weight loss and fitness programs, but will give you more energy to get the most out of your holiday.

We speak to two experienced ServiceSeeking.com.au personal trainers about the best way to stay in shape while you’re away.

“Travelling can be stressful so continuing to workout can help you cope better,” says Heidi Gamble of Embodied Corporate Solutions in Mt Lawley, Victoria. Heidi believes the key to successfully balancing your holiday with a bit of fitness is planning. Your fitness program should be factored into your travel arrangements i.e. accommodation and destination choices. “Select a hotel that is equipped with a gym, indoor swimming pool, stationary bike, tennis court and weights room,” she advises.

It’s great to travel to places with plenty of spectacular scenery so you can combine exercise with your touristy activities. ”Do lots of sightseeing on foot instead of by car or other transportation,” Heidi says. Personal trainer, Steven Duhig from Endure Fitness in Highgate Hill, Queensland offers similar advice. “Be sure to check out the local surroundings by embarking upon a nature walk or jogging along the beach,” he tells, adding “nothing beats a nice jog along the beach at sunrise or sunset.”

Steven also recommends making the most out of non-motorised water sports such as kayaking, snorkelling and sailing. “If on the beach consider taking up some type of surfing or boogie boarding, it is great fun and a great workout.” There’s nothing like trying out some new activities, while burning up calories!

If it’s too chilly outside or your holiday destination isn’t particularly pedestrian-friendly you should be prepared with a backup plan. While your personal trainer probably won’t fit in your bag (we can hear you sigh with relief) a jump rope, exercise band and an exercise DVD will. Heidi suggests packing FitDeck, a product consisting of 56 playing cards detailing a variety of exercises you can do in your hotel room without any fancy equipment. “For less than $20 you will never have to struggle again with being creative so you don’t get bored,” she says.

For those dedicated few, Steven details a simple 20min workout that can easily be done in your hotel room or at a nearby park. “Complete as many rounds as possible of 5 x push-ups, 10 x squats and 15 x sit-ups,” he instructs.

Now we all have the exercise part down pat – without a personal trainer on call – diet is where many of us trip up. Steven realises that telling us not to eat a three course meal or a buffet breakfast is just not realistic. “It’s a waste of time listing foods you can’t eat, so instead I suggest you go for a leisurely stroll after your meal.”

While no foods are “banned”, it’s still important to be aware of the food you’re putting in your mouth. “Be careful not to eat through boredom,” warns Heidi, “and watch out for calorie-laden cocktails.” If you decide to have a few cocktails make sure to burn those calories off by dancing the night away!

If you’re heading out for the day, Heidi advises packing some healthy snacks like fruit, bags of veggies, almonds, walnuts and rice cakes. “These snacks are quick, easy and travel well,” she explains. Your packed snacks will not only help you avoid high calories but also dodge the expensive costs of takeaway food.

The last tip offered by both personal trainers is to make sure you utilise every spare moment. Heidi suggests walking around the airport if your plane is delayed, while Steven says you shouldn’t ever wait around for the elevator. “For a workout in disguise make use of the stairs instead of the lift when going up to your room.”

Following these tips will help you enjoy a guilt-free holiday and ensure you haven’t wasted all those long, painful hours spent in the gym!