Your ultimate guide to holiday workouts

Save space in your luggage for your newest holiday purchases and leave any bulky workout gear at home. When working out on holiday pick exercises which require as little equipment as possible. While this may mean sacrificing your favourite routine for the duration of your trip, there are plenty of fantastic workout options that require very little equipment – or none at all. Some great lightweight exercise equipment options are a skipping rope or some resistance bands. If you need a little encouragement to get going, you can take part in some fitness exercise classes like yoga, Zumba or HIIT.

All holiday spots worth going to will have a swimming pool or be close to the beach, like the fantastic Alana Beachclub in Croatia. So, whether you plan to get a few lengths in every morning, or are content with splashing around, a swim is a sure-fire way of staying active on holiday. Or on a Neilson activity holiday, we provide you will all the gear you’ll need for water sports, bike rides, tennis and more!

If you’re struggling to come up with a workout that can be done on holiday, a run is always a good option. It requires very little in the way of equipment or clothing – as long as you have something comfortable, plus a pair of suitable trainers, you should be good to go. Running is an excellent, efficient form of cardio, meaning you can get the exercise you need quite quickly. If you’re struggling with holiday heat, running earlier in the morning or later in the evening when its cooler is the best idea.

If you’re a fitness fanatic, you’ll probably already know several exercises that can work while away from home. You can build your own workout, things like squats, lunges, burpees, crunches and jumping jacks don’t require any special equipment and require minimal space. Create your routine in advance, and have a workout plan already set in place before you travel. There are also loads of exercise app's you can follow if you're struggling to create your own routine. 

If you’re into holiday activities, you can always tailor them to have an exercise-based slant. Things like stand up paddle boarding, surfing, cycling and hiking can all work as a part of your holiday – while also helping you to sneak in a workout. Even something as simple as a casual game of volleyball or tennis can help you maintain your fitness. If you’re really struggling, remember a brisk walk taking in the sights can get your blood pumping, plus help you explore your new surroundings.

Holidays are supposed to be a time to relax. Working out while on holiday can be a great idea – it allows you to let off some steam, decompress, and maintain the hard work you’ve been putting in back at home. But if your focus is all on when you’ll next manage to squeeze in a workout, you’ll miss out on all the other aspects of your holiday. Maintaining a balance is key, and this is particularly true during your times of rest and relaxation. An activity packed holiday can help you maintain your fitness but remember you can always make up for a little slack when you get home.