After travelling to Sri Lanka last year, I went into my next semi-remote, tropical holiday with a more realistic perspective on training while on holidays.
Unless you are travelling somewhere ‘western’ and plan on sticking around the major cities, finding a quality, well equipped gym will be tough. And making strength progression will be impossible, unless your partner shares your same passion and dedication. I have spent almost half a day on previous trips looking in ‘outer neighbourhoods’ for a gym that had serious weights. Holidays may also not be the best time to get started on your diet, with cocktail happy hour and buffet breakfasts. So be realistic!
Does that mean you should give up completely? Hell no!
This blog is all about helping fellow gym junkie and travellers to have a plan and direction going into their next holiday.Obviously getting your steps up is a great option, but we are hoping to offer a little more.
Step One: Take the time off and deload
Holidays are great time to take a self imposed de-load week and time away from weights. This rarely happens during the year when you are home. Time away from heavy lifting for a brief period of time can help you to come back stronger than ever.
Step Two: Plan some great body weight workouts
Not moving is not a option. I actually get more sore by not moving. I love using high rep workouts or Tababta style workouts to get the heart rate up and sweat on.
Step Three- Do more yoga
I have yet to go to a holiday destination that does not have an abundance of yoga options. This is a great chance to work on mobility and rejuvenation.
Step Four- Stay somewhere with a gym
Let’s face it most holiday gyms are pretty sparsely stoked. It is unlikely you will find more than a few hand weights and treadmill. Plan out lower weights and high volume workouts, unilateral work or utilise tempo.
Step Five- Map your run
Running in unfamiliar location can be dangerous, from strange neighbourhoods, the chances of getting lost or being chased by stray dogs. Stick to well lit, open and public areas if you chose to pound the pavement.
Workout Example 1: Core Blaster
Complete 3-5 rounds
Workout Example 2: The HIIT
Repeat 3-5 rounds
Workout Example 3: Sprints
3 x 6 mins
Would you like more at home workout options? See out top six simple HIIT workouts here.
Ange Drake is an personal trainer, women’s empowerment coach and fitness blogger in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. She is the director of one of the few womens’ only strength training gyms in Melbourne, 23W. Ange helps women to learn how to use strength based training, nutritional strategies and a positive mindset to transform their bodies, relationship with food and mind.
Can’t decide which of our packages is best suited for you? Take our questionnaire to help you decide!
