Should You Exercise on Holiday?

Holidays are meant for slowing down, switching off and taking a well-earned break. But does that mean your exercise routine has to stop completely? For me, the answer is no. I absolutely embrace the slower pace of being away. I enjoy the lie-ins, happily turn off my 5am alarm for a few days and make the most of spending quality time with my family. That's what a holiday is all about. But there's a big difference between taking a break from your normal routine and doing absolutely nothing. I don't expect to train the way I do at home, but I do like to keep moving. It helps me feel good while I'm away and makes getting back into my routine much easier when I get home.

It's Okay to Press Pause

When you're away, your routine naturally changes. Meal times are different, sleep patterns shift and your usual gym or fitness classes aren't available and that's completely normal. In fact, taking a short break from structured training can be beneficial. Your body gets a chance to recover, your mind refreshes and you come home ready to train again. However, I personally don't feel my best if I stop moving altogether. Not only does it make returning to my normal routine feel much harder, but I genuinely enjoy being active. Movement makes me feel good, regardless of whether I'm in the gym or on holiday.

Walking Counts Too

Before we went away, I knew we'd be doing plenty of walking – and we certainly did! One of the highlights of our trip to north Wales was walking to Aber Falls through Coedydd Aber Nature Reserve. It wasn’t too far to go with the kids and was beautiful. Exercise doesn't always have to be a workout, exploring somewhere new, hiking with the family and spending hours outdoors all contribute towards your overall health and fitness. If you read my previous blog about the benefits of walking, you'll know I'm a huge believer that every step counts.

No Equipment? No Problem

I had every intention of packing a few bits of workout equipment before we left. Reality had other ideas! Between the last-minute packing chaos, making sure we'd packed enough snacks for the journey, reminding everyone to have one final trip to the toilet, checking the windows were locked and grabbing forgotten toys, my resistance bands never made it into the car. So I improvised – and honestly, that's one of the best lessons in fitness, you don't need a fully equipped gym to get a good workout.

Making the Most of What You've Got

During trips to the park, I turned the playground into my gym. The climbing frame became the perfect place for inverted rows and chin-ups. A bench was ideal for tricep dips and step-ups. Press-ups needed nothing more than the ground beneath me. And for a little extra resistance? The kids happily volunteered! They became my weights for walking lunges and squats – and thought it was hilarious. It wasn't a perfect workout, but it didn't need to be. I got my body moving, challenged my muscles and, most importantly, had fun with my family at the same time and that's a win in my book.

Your Children Are Always Watching

One of my favourite parts was that the children got to see me exercise in a completely different setting. They see me train at home all the time, but this showed them that keeping active doesn't have to mean a gym or a dedicated workout space. Instead, we made it part of our day. The playground became a gym, they became my weights, and we laughed our way through squats and lunges. They could see that exercise doesn't always have to be structured or serious – you can adapt, improvise and have fun with it. I hope it teaches them that staying active isn't about having the perfect equipment or the perfect routine. It's about making the most of what's around you, enjoying movement and creating memories at the same time.

Does It Have to Be Perfect? Absolutely not.

Did I train as often as I do when I'm at home? No.

Did every workout last an hour? Definitely not.

Did I still enjoy ice creams, meals out and all the little holiday treats? Of course!

But I also fitted in a few short training sessions, stayed active every day and came home feeling good, rather than feeling like I was starting from scratch.

Should You Exercise on Holiday?

My advice is to stop thinking of it as having to exercise and instead, focus on staying active. Walk more. Go swimming. Hire bikes. Play football on the beach. Climb rocks with the kids. Do a quick 20-minute bodyweight workout if you feel like it. Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Fitness isn't about being perfect for one week – it's about building habits you can maintain for years. If staying active on holiday helps you feel healthier, happier and makes getting back into your routine easier when you get home, then it's absolutely worth doing. Remember, your holiday should leave you feeling refreshed not guilty so find the balance that works for you.

Need Help Building Fitness That Fits Around Real Life?

As a personal trainer, I believe exercise should fit around your lifestyle – not the other way around. Whether you're at home, at work or on holiday, there are always ways to stay active without sacrificing the things you enjoy. If you're looking for realistic fitness coaching that works with your life, I'd love to help.