Avoiding excess baggage on your holidays

From swimming to a session in the studio, it's easy to stay fit during your holiday at Middle Colenso Farm

Everyone tends to put on weight while on holiday, which is ironic considering most of us spend weeks trying to lose weight before we go. We eat more – cooked breakfasts, three course meals every night and then there’s the alcohol… Going on a trip is also the perfect excuse for not exercising.

So how do you stay in shape on holiday? I’m not suggesting depriving yourself because that would simply make you miserable but by making a few sensible choices and staying active, you can make sure the only excess baggage you return home with is in your suitcase and not on your butt.

First of all there’s the food. There are always lots of temptations on holiday especially if you’re keen to try the local cuisine. I’m all for indulging yourself but just don’t overdo it. If, for example, you’re planning a big dinner at a fancy restaurant have a healthy salad at lunchtime to counterbalance it. Don’t tuck into the bread basket before your meal; you wouldn’t dream of doing it at home so why do it now?

No matter how good your intentions, you will end up consuming more calories than usual so this is not the time to skimp on the exercise. Make sure you pack your gym gear and if you’re feeling really keen, take along some lightweight equipment such as a resistance band or skipping rope. That way you’ll have no excuse not to exercise even if you’re staying in the middle of nowhere.

In fact, there’s never any excuse. Bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges and push ups can be performed in even the smallest hotel room and you don’t need any equipment to go for a walk or run. If you’re a keen runner why not plan some routes in advance? Going for a run is a fantastic way to see a new area and a quick trawl of the internet will provide you with lots of ideas.

Try to include some activities during your trip. You’ll inevitably end up doing lots of walking if you’re sightseeing how about hiring a bike or going kayaking? Don’t’ forget the incidental exercise – use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator at the hotel or airport. Dancing the night away in a local hotspot is probably one of the more enjoyable ways to burn calories.

If you’re staying in a hotel or resort with a gym or pool you should make the most of the facilities. I like to work out before breakfast. That way your exercise doesn’t interfere with your sightseeing. Some hotels offer exercise classes which can be a great way to try a new activity. Here at Middle Colenso, guests can book in for a session in our on-site Pilates and fitness studio but if you prefer outdoor exercise you're spoiled for choice in this part of Cornwall.

The South West Coast Path offers some of the finest walking in the country. Our holiday cottages are close to Praa Sands, the best surfing beach on the south coast, and are within easy reach of the surfing beaches on the north coast. There are plenty of spots for swimming but if you don't fancy the sea, how about a dip in Penzance's Art Deco Jubilee Pool?

We can recommend places for surfing lessons, SUP, kayak or bike hire. We even have body boards and beach games for our guests to borrow.

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