The Mental and Physical Benefits of an Active Getaway

When people talk about going on holiday, all too often they are thinking about spending a fortnight lying comatose on a beach during the day while over-indulging with both food and alcohol at night. The truth is that no matter how hard or stressful your life or job, this type of holiday is not actually going to do you any good at all.

Getting fit and rediscovering your joie de vivre is arguably a much more productive way to spend your holiday.

Fitness
A busy and stressful life is a lot easier to deal with if you are fit and healthy. Fitness comes from regular exercise and a balanced diet. If you are physically fit you are less likely to pick up germs and bugs and less prone to serious diseases. A good diet will not only keep your waistline trim and maintain your digestive tract in prime condition, but it is also good for your skin, hair and nails. If you have been getting a little off-track with your health and fitness lately, or if you like to keep up with your regime when you are on holiday but need some motivation, then you could benefit from an active holiday.

Locations
You’ll find that fitness holidays are a great way to take a break while getting both your body and mind back on track. Many active-holiday spa resorts are situated in the most exotic and beautiful locations throughout Europe and beyond. The views from some of these resorts are enough to calm the spirit and promote well-being.

Specialists
Specialist healthy-holiday venues will have qualified trainers on staff to help you achieve your goals and ensure you leave feeling better than when you arrived. They employ nutrition experts, beauticians and fitness instructors. You are likely to receive a consultation in which you will discuss your requirements and agree your programme and treatments. Treatments and activities will vary from resort to resort but are likely to include yoga, reflexology and even horse riding.

Weight Loss

We all know that carrying even a few extra pounds is detrimental to our health. Going on holiday with a specific view to losing weight may go against many of our preconceived ideas but really, if you have to do it, this is the way to go! There will be a number of programmes to choose from, including boot camps, which are hard work but fun and rewarding. To make sure you return from your holiday not only slimmer but also looking amazing, there are likely to be a number of beauty treatments, including deep-tissue massages and facials, that you can take advantage of.

Many of us devote so much time to our jobs and families that the annual holiday of just lying on the beach has become a habit, something we do just because we’ve always done it. Even though it is said that a change is as good as rest, you are far more likely to benefit both mentally and physically from an active holiday. You will achieve something other than sun burn and a muffin-top belly – you can return home feeling happier, healthier and more positive. You’ll never look back.