Worldwide Workout

Depending on the style of holiday you prefer, you may find yourself far more active than your everyday life, or a bit less.

Maintaining a good level of activity when you are away overseas has many benefits – you’ll feel great, shake off jet lag more easily, be able to keep up with your fellow travellers and avoid bringing home extra ‘baggage’ around your waist as a result of sampling the local cuisine!

Travel is often great exercise in itself. You tend to walk and stand more, and climb more stairs. Many city tours can be done on foot or by bike, so you may find yourself on the go all day, while enjoying all the sights, sounds and smells. There is no easier way to immerse yourself in a new town or city, than actually moving from A to B. Ask your tour guide whether there are any ‘no go’ areas, and always let someone know where you are going and when you are due to return.

If you are likely to be exercising more than usual, try and get a bit of training before you leave. Even standing for long periods uses more energy than one might expect, so do practice! It’s a good idea to pack a pair of light, comfortable and supportive shoes, designed for walking. Sports shoes are far more fashionable than they used to be – nowadays they fit in with most outfits with ease. Well, fitting walking shoes will help prevent rolled ankles on uneven ground (such as cobblestoned streets) and unnecessary aches and pains in your feet and legs. Ensure you wear new shoes for a good length of time before you depart, to avoid any chance of blisters, and take good quality socks that wick sweat away from your skin.

Serious fitness buffs often travel overseas for events. Whether you are an elite athlete or enthusiastic amateur, check with your travel insurance advisor before you depart. They may have some expert tips about transporting specialist equipment or the destination to which you are travelling. Adventure sports with licensed operators are usually included in your policy.

If you are likely to spend more time than usual ‘flat out’ on a beach or seated in a coach, you may like to pack some light, compact fitness equipment to get the blood pumping at the end of each day. Yoga mats, skipping ropes or a TRX are easy to include in a suitcase and use in restricted spaces. Ask your trainer (if you have one) to write a travel programme for you, or use workouts on YouTube or social media (follow your favourites) for inspiration.

Remember to always warm up and cool down appropriately, and keep your fluid levels up, particularly in warmer climates.

Hotels and cruise ships usually have well-equipped gyms. To avoid injury, always ask for advice if you are unsure of how to use the equipment. Many machines will have diagrams on the side of them.

Stay safe and enjoy a fun and active holiday with peace of mind.