Should I exercise on holiday?

When you're in a routine of regular gym sessions, it's difficult not to feel guilty when you miss a few, especially when you're away on holiday.

Truthfully, I'm terrible for this. I've been away a few times and felt like I'm erasing all the progress I've made by having a lazy week and can never quite shake that feeling in the back of my mind.

In fact, I ended up doing bodyweight circuits in the morning in Mallorca last year.

But let's take a look.

First off, let's talk about the benefits of exercise. Exercise is essential for maintaining good health and keeping your body strong and functioning correctly. It can also help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost your mood. But, here's the thing - taking a break from exercise can also have its benefits.

When you work out regularly, your body goes through a lot of stress. Exercise causes small tears in your muscles, and it's during rest that your body repairs these tears, leading to stronger muscles. Taking a break from exercise can give your body time to recover and repair, which can lead to improved performance when you get back to your routine. Deload weeks are actually really important to your routine.

But, what about weight gain? Will a week of lounging by the pool and binging on all-inclusive buffets lead to a noticeable difference on the scale? The short answer is no. While it's important to maintain a healthy diet, research has shown that taking a break from exercise for a week or two won't cause any significant weight gain.

Think of it the other way; could you get absolutely ripped in the same two week period? Of course not, so gaining weight won't undo all your progress.

So, should you exercise on holiday? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy working out and feel that it's an essential part of your routine or it helps you relax, then by all means, keep it up! But, if the thought of squeezing in a workout between sunbathing and cocktails fills you with dread, then taking a break won't do any harm.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy balance on holiday:

1. Stay Active - While you may not want to hit the gym, there are plenty of ways to stay active on holiday. Take a walk along the beach, go for a swim, or try a new water sport. Not only will this keep you moving, but it's also a great way to explore your surroundings and try something new.

2. Be Mindful of What You Eat - While it's tempting to indulge in all the delicious food on offer, try to maintain a healthy balance. Enjoy the local cuisine, but also make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Don't worry about having a couple of beers or glasses of wine; the whole reason you're there is because you needed to relax.

3. Get Plenty of Rest - One of the best things about being on holiday is the opportunity to relax and recharge. Make sure you're getting plenty of rest, so you're ready to make the most of your trip.

Whether or not you exercise on holiday is entirely up to you. If it helps you to relax then go for it, but the primary reason for being there is getting a change of surroundings. Just remember to listen to your body and enjoy your well-deserved break!