So, you're scrolling the Internet for holiday workouts that you can bookmark for your summer trip. Before we get into top tips for working out while away, know this: if you'd rather sloth by the pool for your entire break, more power to you. Everyone deserves some time off and to spend said time off in whatever way they choose.
To some, that might be daily hikes, swims and weights workouts - others, piña coladas by the pool day in, day out. Spoiler alert: there's no wrong or right way to spend your break. Your holiday is your you time, so make sure to spend it in whatever way relaxes you the most.
That said, if you do fancy getting some movement in while away, you'll likely want to keep things short, sweet, and effective, leaving you maximum time for other holiday activities (read: easy home workouts you can do from your hotel room). That's why we've picked the brains of top personal trainer Courtney Black - below, she shares her go-to holiday workouts that require little to no equipment and will leave you feeling physically and mentally great.
But before you scroll, know this: "Holidays don't come around very often," shares the PT. "So when the time finally comes, it's so important to spend it doing the things you enjoy. Whatever that looks like, it's important to remember that a couple of weeks off your regular routine won't ruin your progress or fitness."
Making sure you're getting adequate rest on holiday will leave you feeling ready to tackle new challenges head-on upon your return. That's why working out on holiday needn't mean spending hours in a hotel gym. Quite the opposite. Keep scrolling for her top tips and go-to holiday workouts, too. And... relax.
Don't miss our guides on how to workout at home, plus the best workouts for beginners, while you're here. Warm up exercises and cool down exercises at the ready.
Testing process for the best holiday workouts
Aka, how did Black choose the workouts below as her top picks? Short answer - she's a well-renowned personal trainer who's trialling workouts day in, day out, and knows exactly what to look for in an effective holiday workout that you'll actually manage to squeeze in.
The below are all:
- Bodyweight: Aka don't require kit, can be done using only your bodyweight, and can be done from any time or any place.
- Short but sweet: There's a range of length options below, from ten to thirty minutes, but all should be achievable on holiday no matter how much spare time you have.
- Pack a punch: As a trainer with decades of experience, Black knows which moves are most effective and has combined these in the sweat sessions below.
- Can be tailored to suit your requirements: And finally, as Black touches on below, the most effective workouts are always the ones that can be tailored to suit your current needs and requirements. Adaptations are available for every session below, meaning you're able to tailor them to your current time limitations and fitness levels.
5 best holiday workouts to try this summer
1. Quick ab blast
What? Got ten minutes before you head for breakfast or in between activities? This beginner ab workout is the perfect sequence for trying on the move. You need no equipment and can do it from your hotel room. This Pilates ab workout is also a great one to try from your room or garden or, if you'd rather pick your own ab exercises to form your own workout, we've got you.
How long? 10 minutes.
2. 15 minute full body workout
Why? If your hotel has a gym, this is a great workout. Why? Well, because you're working out every muscle despite the duration of the sweat session only being fifteen minutes long. Grab some light dumbbells and get a killer sweat on - you'll be finished in no time at all. No dumbells to hand? Bodyweight can be just as effective, too.
How long? 15 minutes.
3. 15 minute express HIIT
Why? This sweat session is high energy and requires no equipment, making it an easy one to do from your hotel room or balcony.
How long? 15 minutes.
4. 20 minute skipping and full body
What? Another full-body workout, this 20-minute session doesn't actually require you to use any kit (not even a skipping rope) and is seriously effective using just your body weight or tea towels. Get ready to get that heart rate up with this full-body conditioner.
How long? 20 minutes.
5. 30 minute leg workout
What? Got slightly longer to get a sweat on? Again, this one's great if you've got access to a hotel gym. Grab some dumbbells and get working those legs. If you can't access a gym, bottles or cans will also work. You could also use just your body weight to get those muscles burning.
How long? 30 minutes.
Top tips for holiday workouts
If you're someone who craves regular movement or feel–good endorphins to boost both your physical and mental health, below, Black shares her top tips for ensuring your exercise enriches the holiday without consuming it.
1. Take the pressure off
Movement on holiday need not be about hitting PB’s or burying yourself in training, shares the PT. "Instead, take off the pressure and just move to feel good," she recommends.
That might look like a long walk, a quick hotel HIIT, or some lengths in the pool - whatever floats your boat. "Forget about target times and weights and simply reap the rewards that a good sweat has to offer," she advises.
2. Explore on foot
Part of going on holiday might involve exploring somewhere new.
"This is an amazing chance to get some steps in while taking in the views," explains Black. "The benefits of walking are endless and you’ll barely notice your step count creeping up while you're taking in the sights."
3. Get it done early
Black stresses that there is no correct time to get a sweat on other than the time that works for you. "The only exception to this might be when you are on your holiday, as it can get super hot outside and you'll likely want to enjoy your day without thinking about your workout," she explains.
Her advice? Squeeze in some morning movement. "This not only means you’ll beat the midday heat, but you’ll also be full of feel-good endorphins to keep you energised throughout the day to enjoy whatever exciting plans you have made."
4. Keep it short and sweet
Unless your holiday has been planned with long runs and hiking in mind, Black recommends keeping it short, sweet and simple.
"Bodyweight and HIIT workouts are the perfect style to keep you feeling energised while still enjoying a relaxing holiday schedule," she concludes.
Shop our go-to workout kit now:
Holiday just around the corner and TOTM due, too? Enter stage right, WUKA's innovative period swimwear designed to help you feel your best for your holidays. The brand also has some seriously impressive sustainability credentials and is a certified B Corp.
One of Health Editor Ally Head's go-to bra's, Adanola designs are simple, stylish and supportive, not to mention won't break the bank.
Take your bodyweight exercises up a level with this simple piece of kit, designed to up the resistance and work your muscles harder during each move.
What exercise can I do on holiday?
The possibilities are endless. As personal trainer Courtney Black explains, short, simple and easy-to-do workouts like HIIT or bodyweight circuits are her go-to. You can do them from your hotel room, balcony or garden and are guaranteed to get your heart rate up in a short space of time.
That said, if you'd rather make use of the hotel gym, go for a hike, or do some laps in the pool, remember: all movement counts. What's key is doing a workout that works for you and that you'll genuinely enjoy.
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