Not to rub it in (any more than I already have with my daily updates) but I’ve just returned from a mind-blowing retreat to the ‘island of the gods’, Bali! Drinking Bintang by the pool, exploring new places,, indulging in some personal development and self care and spending it with the most amazing group of women. It’s a hard life!
But as I wake at 5am this morning, it hits hard as I find myself back to reality. No sunrise yoga on the rooftop, no freshly prepared breakfast waiting for me and no nutritious meals carefully prepared by someone else. Just a mountain of washing , an inbox that is just about reached capacity and a half empty fridge providing no inspiration whatsoever. Yes, first world problems, I know. Let me have a moment to my self pity party.
Get a grip
It’s time to get a grip and be thankful for the experiences I have had and think about how I can take them forward. I need to shake off those post-holiday blues and continue the momentum I started while I was away in Bali, especially in relation to exercise habits.
As you all know by now, I love exercise and so for me, this doesnt really change when I go on holiday. I obviously step off the gas a little but I still make sure I am active while I am away and Bali was no different. In fact, Bali was a wellness retreat and so I actually did some form of exercise every single day. Believe me, it wasn’t a lot! Just some gentle movement, lots of stretching and a much needed reminder of how much my body needs to keep moving.
However, I get for most people, exercise is left at home and isn’t given a second thought on holiday and it can be tough to get back into it when you get home. So here are some of my top tips for getting back into post holiday exercise whether you trained while you were away or not.
Reawaken those muscles
First things first, let’s embrace the fact that we had an amazing time indulging in all those delicious treats and lazy days by the pool. We deserve it! But now, it’s time to shift gears and reintroduce our bodies to the wonderful world of exercise and movement. The key here is to start slow and steady. We’re not aiming for a marathon on our first day back, okay? Ease yourself into it with some light stretching, gentle cardio, or a relaxing yoga session. It’s all about reawakening those muscles and reminding them of the incredible things they can do.
Realistic goals
We all know how tempting it is to jump back into an intense post holiday exercise routine, trying to make up for lost time and inactivity while we were away. But trust me, that’s a recipe for disaster and unbelievable DOM’s. Instead, set achievable goals that take into account your current fitness level. If you’ve done absolutely no exercise for two weeks and more than made use of the all inclusive buffet and drinks. Let’s be honest, even in two short weeks your fitness will have dropped a little. So for you maybe it’s committing to two workouts a week initially. Then gradually increase the duration and intensity of your sessions. The key here is to build a foundation for success, not set yourself up for burnout or injury.
Barriers
Now, let’s address the mental hurdles that often accompany getting back into exercise after a holiday. It’s normal to feel a bit rusty or unmotivated at first. That’s where the power of mindset comes into play. Remember why you love exercise in the first place. It’s not just about burning calories or losing weight; it’s about feeling energised, strong, and confident. So, tap into that positive mindset, put on your favorite workout outfit download that playlist, and remind yourself of the amazing benefits that exercise brings to your body and mind.
Variety
Speaking of motivation, let’s not forget the power of variety. Sometimes, all we need is a little change to reignite our enthusiasm for exercise. Try out a new class, explore different workout routines, or find a workout buddy who can keep you accountable and make sweating it out more fun. Mixing things up not only keeps things interesting but also challenges your body in new ways, ensuring you stay engaged and motivated.
Be kind
Lastly, be kind to yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your fitness journey won’t magically reset overnight. Embrace the fact that you’re starting again, and that’s a step in the right direction. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every effort counts. Be patient with your body, listen to its needs, and gradually build up your strength and stamina. You’ll be back on track before you know it.
So, let’s kick those post-holiday blues to the curb and get moving again. Start slow, set realistic goals, embrace a positive mindset, mix things up, and be kind to yourself throughout the process. Remember, exercise is not a punishment for indulging on holiday—it’s a celebration of what our bodies are capable of. Let’s show our bodies some love and get back to sweating it out like the champions we are!
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with my squat rack and a yoga mat. It’s time to reclaim that fitness groove and feel amazing from the inside out.
