Fitness Holidays: The Perfect Way to Stay in Shape while Taking a Break
February 11, 2021
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Wouldn’t it be great to find a way to improve your health and wellness while also taking some time off to relax? That’s what fitness holidays are all about.
Whether you’re a big fitness enthusiast or your current routine is leaving you with little or no time to exercise and take care of your health, a fitness retreat is an excellent option to kill two birds with one stone.
A vacation like this gives you the opportunity to take some well-deserved time off, while keeping a nutritious diet, doing fun physical activities and cultivating healthier habits with the guidance of a professional.
And don’t worry about your present fitness level; the intensity of the physical workouts will depend on the type of holiday you choose, as well as on the length of the program.
So, anyone looking to improve their health, shed some extra weight, become fitter, improve their body's core strength or have a more active lifestyle, would greatly benefit from going on a fitness-focused vacation.
Good Reasons to Add Fitness to Your Vacation
Image credit: WORK AWAY
If vacations are for rest and relaxation, why would someone add exercise to them? Well, there are plenty of good reasons to do that.
For instance, studies show that people who exercise feel happier than those who don’t. Therefore, in a way, adding fitness activities to your vacation is like adding a good dose of happiness to it!
Besides, it gives you the opportunity to get away from the tourist scene and have unique experiences. It’s not like you’ll be doing thousands of push-ups from dawn to dusk, there are tons of fun things to do that will keep you moving. It can be kayaking on a calm lake, jogging on a sandy beach, sightseeing during a bike ride, hiking on a beautiful mountain, or any other fun activity you may think of.
Also, fitness vacations allow participants to relax deeper, as exercise helps them to sleep better. And one of the most obvious reasons, you’ll probably lose some weight or at least maintain it while on holiday.
Altogether, you’ll be able to implement positive changes into your life through fitness and nutrition, all in the company of a group of like-minded people, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
READ MORE: Traveling Safely: Your Guide to Wellness Retreats in the COVID-19 Era
Types of Fitness Holidays
Now that you’re aware of the many benefits a fitness holiday can offer, you should know that there are several different types. Below you’ll learn more about the most popular ones.
Pilates Retreats
Image credit: ROBIN PILATES
Pilates is a low-impact exercise designed to improve flexibility, build strength and develop control and endurance in the entire body.
It was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates as an exercise program for injured dancers and soldiers. Today, it’s practiced worldwide by all sorts of people, including a good number of famous athletes and celebrities.
This physical fitness system emphasizes posture and helps you improve balance and flexibility. It’s based on the five principles of breathing, concentration, centering, control, precision and flow. Not to mention that it acknowledges the strong connection that exists between mind and body!
The best part is that the routines can be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced. And the intensity can be increased over time as the body adapts itself to the exercises. So, no matter at what level of fitness you are, you can still reap all its benefits such as improving your health, toning your body and reducing your stress levels.
On a Pilates retreat, you’ll take part in daily sessions guided by qualified instructors. Some programs offer complementary activities such as meditation, yoga, fitness routines, or workshops on nutrition. After a few days, you’ll start looking better and feeling great!
Weight Loss Retreats
Image credit: Run Wild Retreats + Wellness
On a weight loss retreat, you’ll have the professional guidance and support you need to help achieve your weight goals in a safe and sustainable way. Whether you just want to lose a few extra pounds or are looking for a long-term lifestyle change, this is definitely a good way to kickstart a new life.
These holidays usually start with a professional consultation to help your instructors create a personalized diet and exercise regime that will help you reach your desired weight.
The diet will likely consist of a low-calorie plan that includes all the nutrients to support fat burning and boost your metabolism. For the physical activities, you can expect to do some yoga, aerobics and weight training.
Additionally, some programs may include supporting activities like healthy cooking classes or nutrition workshops. And many of them will provide you with a take-home plan or post-retreat support to make it easier for you to maintain a healthier lifestyle afterward.
Bootcamps
For those who already are in a good shape but would like to increase the intensity of their workout, joining a bootcamp is a great way to achieve that!
Bootcamps are designed to test a person’s limits, through intense activities such as boxing, aerobics, strength training, speed training, or High-Intensity Interval Training (HITT), to mention a few.
On a bootcamp retreat, you’ll have access to military-style physical training. Meaning that you’ll engage in activities that are both physically and mentally challenging, with little recovery time in between (always with the guidance of professional instructors).
The activities on a bootcamp can be held both indoors and outdoors and are usually done in a group setting. Meaning that you’ll be surrounded by a group of people that shares some of your goals and interests.
You’ll also learn about nutrition, by having a healthy diet throughout the experience. Additionally, some programs offer a take-home fitness and healthy eating plan to help you sustain a good level of fitness.
Lastly, keep in mind that bootcamps aren’t suitable for people with serious medical conditions or with a low level of fitness. So, it’s always recommended for participants to consult their doctor before joining a bootcamp.
Online Fitness Experiences
Did you know that you can get all the above-mentioned benefits of a fitness retreat without stepping out of your home?
Online fitness experiences are a great option if you can’t fully disconnect from your daily routine or just don’t want to travel at the moment.
Nowadays, it’s super important to try to stay in shape to help your body and mind to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as chronic diseases.
READ MORE: Why Should You Go on a Yoga & Meditation Retreat?
During an online fitness experience, you’ll only need to set aside time during your day to attend the sessions (live or pre-recorded). You can access them from any device, either a smartphone, tablet, computer, or smart TV, from the comfort of your own home.
Moreover, online fitness experiences are budget-friendly, as you don’t need to pay for transportation, meals or accommodation, in order to get high-level training.
*Cover image credit: The BNKR
Looking to improve your mental wellbeing on a vacation? Join a mental health retreat and find the balance between body and mind!