Breaks can be more than just sipping cocktails – they’re also a great time to get in shape.
Everyone wants to look their best for their holidays, usually killing themselves on some crash diet and failing to get the results they wanted. Part of the problem is our bad habits – bad habits that can be hard to shake. Think of sitting down with that cuppa and half a packet of biscuits, or those sneaky few glasses of wine.
To be fair, it can be tough to deprive ourselves of such treats, and this is probably the hardest part of any diet. Many of us leave it too late to tackle the bad habits, meaning it’s tough to make a real difference ahead of the holidays.
So let’s look at things a different way. What is a holiday for you? Most people answer they want to relax, have fun and enjoy time together. Holidays are a break from the norm, but they can also be a way of breaking habits formed at home. You can actually look at a break as a way of forming new and healthier behaviours.
For most people, chocolate will be less desirable when in the sun, which can itself suppress our appetites. So when abroad, look at indulging in foods you don’t eat at home. If you are opting for a European break, try starting your day with some eggs or fresh fruits rather than calorific pastries.
Keep it light for lunch. It’s more than likely that you won’t be all that hungry, so indulge in beautiful fresh salads. And for dinner, opt for freshly-caught grilled fish and stay away from pastas and pizzas!
What about drink? There’s nothing wrong with having one or two, but save that glass of wine for your evening meal and sip on water to keep hydrated.
Mountain climber
- Start with your feet on the floor and your two hands on the ground. Make sure that your back is flat and core engaged before moving.
- Slowly bring one knee up to the chest, then return back to the starting position.
- Repeat the exercise with the opposite leg. This counts as one rep.
Side lunge
- Stand upright with your arms by your sides.
- Take a step to one side, lowering your body down and leaning your torso slightly forward, with your weight on the outside leg. Keep the trailing leg straight then simply push off your leading foot to return to start position. Repeat all reps on one side before switching.
Crunch reach
- Start by lying on your back with your knees bent, feet flat and your hands on your thighs.
- Lift your head and shoulders off the floor and slide your hands up to your knees, before returning to the starting position.
Close grip push up
- Start on your toes and hands, with your hands touching each other in the middle at the fingers, directly under your chest. For easier version, do on knees.
- Push up to a straight-arm position, then lower straight back down to starting position, keeping your back straight and hips down throughout.
