Eight Ways To Keep Fit On Holiday by Kristoph Thompson

Exercising on holiday means that you are less likely to gain weight, you feel less guilty about ordering dessert, and it’s much easier to get back into your workout routine upon your return home.

Here’s 8 ways to keep the calories burning on vacation:

1. Do one physical activity each day, whether it’s horse-riding, going for a hike, or hiring a bike, you will reap the healthful benefits as well as seeing some more of your surroundings.

2. Take a resistance band and a Swiss ball (with pump!) away with you. If you can find the room in your suitcase for these two small items, you’ll have all you need for an all-over toning workout you can do in your room.

3.Make use of your environment, unless you’re going to Holland there’s bound to be hills and steps everywhere! Try to get outside in the morning, before it gets too hot, and do a little sightseeing on foot.

4. If you plan to relax in the sun, take time out from your book to do 10 crunches on the sun lounger, followed by 10 lengths of the pool to cool off, every hour. These small bits of exercise will soon add up by the end of the week.

5. Get up twenty minutes early three times a week and do some toning exercises. Try crunches on the bed, squats and lunges, push ups, and door pull-ins for a whole body workout.

6. Get out on the balcony and do a few yoga poses, they’ll help keep you toned and flexible and you’ll feel ready for the day ahead.

7. Try an early morning walk, swim in the sea or pool, or a run on the beach. It’s much cooler first thing making it more comfortable to exercise, whilst getting out before all the other tourists get up means you’ll get a better chance to appreciate the scenery.

8. If you want to get a little scientific, take a pedometer and record the amount of steps you take each day. Since no-one goes on holiday to lose weight, at least try not to gain weight. Reward yourself for every 2000 steps over 10,000 with a glass of wine, desert, or starter.

Copyright 2008 Kristoph Thompson BA MA CSCS. Kristoph runs a successful personal training business in the UK, working with a variety of groups and individuals from professional footballers to those with disabilities, and most recently, Britain’s Strongest Man. He has recently pioneered kristoph.co.uk which provides a free, national health and fitness information service.