Jess has just returned from two weeks holidaying in Agrigento, a hilltop city in Sicily.
You’ve been sticking to a great workout routine for months leading up to your holiday and you’re feeling amazing!
You’ve achieved your weight loss or body composition goals and you’re ready to put on your sexy summer outfits and enjoy yourself.
But then that niggling thought starts to creep into your mind – “I don’t want to get fat on holiday.”
First of all, relax. That’s what holidays are for. If you have been in a consistent exercise routine for months, and you are going away for one to two weeks, it is OK to let your body have a break from your intense workouts.
I can assure you the majority of my PT clients actually come back from their holiday weighing the same as they did prior to leaving. Why? When we go on holiday, we tend to explore places and walk EVERYWHERE. When you are travelling, those 10,000 steps you struggle to achieve at home suddenly get achieved before lunch time.
You can still hit the gym when you are on holiday, but walking as much as possible, cycling and swimming are fantastic ways to keep active without taking away from the full holiday experience.
If you don’t have access to weights or machines, here are five exercises you can complete in between Margarita’s that will tone your whole body and don’t require any equipment:
1. Squats
Fantastic for the entire lower body as well as your core. If you wish to target your booty poolside, have a wider stance and really focus on achieving good depth (just below your knees is ideal). You can make this harder but adding a jump in between each rep or even holding on to an object that will add some weight.
2. Push-ups
Such a beneficial exercise for the upper body. If you find standard push-ups too much of a challenge, you can always place your hands on a bench or your knees on the ground to reduce the level of difficulty.
3. Lunges
Most people have a love/hate relationship with lunges. But if you want great sculpted legs and that coveted booty, this is one of the best exercises you can do when you don’t have access to weights. If walking lunges aren’t challenging enough, add in a jump.
4. Bridge or Plank Hold
Another core strengthening exercise. Form a bridge position with your elbows or hands and toes touching the ground. Keep your butt in line with your body to ensure you are engaging your glutes and HOLD. You can time your holds or aim for a number of sets. To make this exercise more challenging incorporate shoulder taps or leg lifts.
5. Tricep Dips
Who doesn’t want toned arms? Find a park bench or a stable chair. Position your hands shoulder-width apart and slowly lower your body towards the floor until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. Then raise your body again until your arms are extended.