How to Keep Your Fitness Routine on Holiday – Tips & Strategies
Are you worried you’ll quit your routine after going on holiday? I just returned from a holiday with my family and have some tips for you to keep in mind this summer as you plan time away from your regular routine.
Take the Pressure Off
Set a small, realistic goal to stay active while you’re away. I made a goal to move 15 minutes a day. I even skipped the hotel gym and opted for my resistance bands, which I brought from home. And I alternated between small workouts without having to leave my hotel room. This way, I stayed active without feeling pressured to follow a rigorous routine.
Plan Healthy Breakfasts and Snacks
Planning some meals and snacks on holiday may not sound ideal, but it may help you enjoy your time more. I decided to plan my breakfasts and snacks instead of ordering from the hotel to ensure I got enough protein and fiber. This helped me avoid feeling constipated and bloated. Dinner was my “splurge” meal, and I enjoyed whatever I wanted. The freedom for one meal made me less likely to obsess over food and more present to savor the moment.
Tips for Returning Home and Easing Back into Your Routine
Ease Back In
Make your daily expectations of yourself realistic. There are always so many things to do when you’re back from holiday (e.g., grocery shopping, laundry, etc.), so be gentle with yourself. I set a goal to exercise for 10 minutes at some point in the day. That allowed me flexibility, and I was able to jump back in and achieve something even if it wasn’t as long as my normal workout.
Meal Prep
If you can, try to do the grocery shopping shortly after getting back home. Meal prepping is a great way to “work smarter, not harder.” I am more likely to stick to eating well when I can just grab meals quickly and reheat them or cook with little prep work involved.
Additional Tips for Staying on Track
Hydrate
Travel can be dehydrating, especially if you’re flying. Make it a point to drink plenty of water. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it regularly. Staying hydrated can help you feel more energised and less hungry.
Sleep Well
Holidays often come with disrupted sleep schedules. Try to maintain a consistent sleep routine as much as possible. If you’re changing time zones, gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before your trip. A well-rested body is more likely to stick to healthy habits.
Incorporate Movement into Fun Activities
Look for ways to incorporate physical activity into your holiday fun. Whether it’s a hike, a swim, or a walk exploring the local area, you can stay active without it feeling like a chore. Enjoy the new environment and find activities that make you happy and active.
Mindful Eating
While it’s important to enjoy your food, practice mindful eating. Pay attention to your hunger cues and eat slowly, savoring each bite. This can help you avoid overeating and make your meals more satisfying.
Stay Positive
Returning to your routine after a holiday can be challenging. Stay positive and patient with yourself. It’s normal to need a little time to readjust. Celebrate small victories and remember that consistency is more important than perfection.
Find Balance, Not Extremes
We often think we have to err on the side of one extreme or the other—either ditch workouts and healthy eating entirely for your time away or fit in 2-hour workouts in the hotel gym and count calories. That’s nonsense. Create a holiday where you enjoy it and take small steps to ease back into your routine once you’re back home.
Enjoy my workouts on the go inside of the app! Click here to learn more!
