Are you yearning for a holiday but don’t want to lose track of your health? Or are you looking for a trip that will kick start a new fitness regime? Whatever your reasons, taking an active holiday can be a fantastic way to relax and unwind whilst also getting some huge physical and mental health benefits. So if you fancy taking a little time out to transform your body, here are four top holiday ideas to help you get stronger, fitter, healthier and happier.
Hiking Trip
This is a fantastic option for those on a low budget. Because it’s basically just walking, this kind of trip can be adapted to suit your individual or group needs. It’s relatively low impact, doesn’t require any technical skills or even much of a fitness level. Hard core hikers might want to conquer big mountains or tough trails with plenty of inclines. Others may prefer flat surfaces covering long distances. You can camp or stay in hotels as you go, depending on your budget.
Whether you choose to join an official tour or just go as a small group of friends, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of getting off the grid and spending time in nature.
Surf Camp
Surf camps are a fantastic way to improve your surfing skills quickly. There are women’s surf camps in Australia and across the world which are designed to help surfers of all levels. So if you’ve never surfed in your life, you can learn the basic skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
The advantage of joining an official camp is that you get the benefits of professional guidance as well as quality accommodation. So whilst you spend your days getting toned arms and strengthening your core and legs, you’ll spend your evenings relaxing and getting pampered. What more could you want from a holiday?
Yoga Retreat
Many people are put off yoga because they worry that they are simply not flexible enough. But anybody who has practiced yoga will know that’s not about how flexible the instructor is or how well the person next to you holds that pose. It’s about you listening to your body in the moment. Yes, it can be tough work and you probably will sweat (a lot), but at the end of the experience you will feel strong and rested.
Yoga has enormous mental health benefits which, for many, outweigh the physical ones. But if you are looking to improve your posture, get stronger, become more toned and a little leaner, yoga can be a great way to achieve that. A retreat is a great way to work on all of these things intensively whilst also getting plenty of rest and connecting with yourself on an emotional level. Just make sure you select a yoga retreat which reflects your ability. If you’re a complete beginner, there are plenty of retreats out there designed especially for you, so don’t be afraid to look for them.
Canoeing or Kayaking Holiday
Travelling by canoe can be a fantastic way to explore a new place. Whether you’re paddling down a river, on a lake or by the sea, it’s a great opportunity to improve your aerobic fitness as well as build strength and increase flexibility. Whilst exploring the great outdoors you’ll be building muscles in the back, arms, shoulders and chest as well as increasing your core and leg strength.
Just like hiking, this is a low impact activity that can be enjoyed by people with a range of fitness levels. The only thing to be careful about is the type of water and conditions you choose to travel through. Beginners may wish to avoid rough waters or better still, join a kayaking tour with professional guides.
Conclusion
There are plenty of other ways to get active on holiday such as cycling, rock climbing, canyoning, swimming, horse riding, skiing and more. Whichever activity you choose, just make sure that you stay safe. If you’re a relative beginner, choose an official tour. That way, all logistics and safety precautions will be taken on your behalf, so you can just focus on enjoying the activity and reaping all the physical benefits!
