So, if you’re like us, you’ll be focusing on kicking up your fitness training before your holiday to get that strong, happy and toned body. But why ditch the fitness routine when you arrive? Here at Hip and Healthy we are all about balance, it’s not everyday you get to relax on a sun lounger, especially in the UK! We say make the most of your chill time, while still including a little bit of exercise to keep things ticking over. You don’t want all that hard work you put in before to go completely to waste!

With that in mind, we have come up with the best ways to stay fit on holiday. Keeping your body moving whilst on holiday is also a really good way to further de-stress and release endorphins.

Take in the culture by foot or bike
There’s no better way to fully explore your surroundings than by taking a stroll or bike ride. Not only will you get to fully experience the culture and atmosphere of the destination you are visiting, it’s also a great way to get your heart rate up and work off that holiday cocktail!

HIIT hotel room antics
No gym? No problem! 15-30 minutes of HIIT training in your hotel room will do the job and although we should all try and ditch our phones whilst on holiday, it’s a lot harder to do in reality! So, put your phone or tablet to good use and watch a quick HIIT workout tutorial on YouTube! We love Popsugar Fitness and Blogilates – Both offer a range of different workouts depending on the time/space you have. Cassey from Blogilates even has a 5-minute ab workout if you’re really strapped for time! No excuses!

Swim your troubles away
This one is an easy one! Most holiday resorts will have a pool and, if you’re lucky, you’ll have the beautiful ocean right on you’re doorstep too! We think there is no better, more enjoyable way to stay fit than swimming or aqua aerobics! Both of these will strengthen and tone your muscles whilst having the lowest impact on your joints…perfect if you’re recovering from an injury. Swimming and water aerobics are great for building up your cardiovascular fitness (important for a healthy functioning heart) and you get to be outside taking in the beautiful sunshine! We promise it won’t even feel like you’re exercising!

Pick up some resistance bands
Resistance bands are a great and cheap way to stay fit whilst on holiday, a lot of sports shops sell them now and they are easily available online too. Actress Jennifer Aniston, raves about the wonders of resistance bands as a good way of exercising whilst travelling. Resistance bands can be used in a multitude of ways and will give your body a thorough, toning workout in minutes! Bodyism sell their own online here!

Hit the Beach
The beach is a beautiful spot to exercise. We recommend a relaxing yoga session on the beach, focusing your breath on the sound of the wind and the waves. Not only will you be able to lengthen and tone your body, you will also feel energised and relaxed. If yoga isn’t your thing then why not take a long walk or jog along the beach? The sand will work your muscles harder, toning and sculpting your legs and bottom. You won’t even need to pack your trainers… barefoot is the way to go on holiday!

words by Olivia Fantoni