6 Tips to finding fun in holiday exercise

Healthy lifestyle choices don’t need to take away from the enjoyment of being on holiday. By capitalising on activities you have already planned, you can easily fit exercise into your holiday programme.

Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group, which manages 30 local and international hotels and resorts, says “Instead of over-indulging in restaurant splurges and spending your days with little physical activity, choose a resort or hotel that goes the extra mile to help you improve your health and leaves you feeling better than when you arrived.”

Here’s six tips on how to get some daily exercise without turning your holiday into a workout routine.

1 Walking on the beach

Whether you enjoy a contemplative stroll to watch the waves or prefer a brisk walk in the sand, the beach can clear your mind and exercise your body. Walking in soft sand burns almost twice the number of calories as walking the same distance on a flat surface. Until you’ve had a chance to train your muscles, it’s best to keep most of your walking on hard-packed sand near the water so that you don’t spend the rest of your holiday stiff and sore. Alternatively, check the local media for any planned beach activities, including fun beach clean-ups, which is a great workout with an added reward.

2 Swimming

Swimming is more than just a way to cool off on a hot day. It is one of the most comprehensive workouts you can get and because it’s gentle on the joints, almost anyone can do it – even if you not in the best shape yet. Just 30 minutes of leisurely freestyle burns around 250 calories, so include a few laps while cooling off.

3 Bicycle rides

Long leisurely bike rides are a great way to see the area and get in some low-intensity exercise. If you take your time and go all day, you will burn calories without even thinking about it while enjoying quality time with your loved ones and away from technology.

YOU MAY WANT TO READ: 6 Tips for beach swimming safety

4 Hiking

Hiking has plenty of perks – great views, fresh air and the sounds and smells of nature. Plus, when you add elevation to your walks it becomes a powerful cardio workout that burns more calories. Remember to start off with short flat hikes and gradually work up to the trails with more hills or uneven terrain. The South Coast offers an abundance of invigorating coastal and mountain walking and hiking trails.

5 Golf

Golf holidays offer an abundance of natural beauty and exercise whether you choose to go inland, beach or bush.  Instead of riding around in a cart, capitalise on a better workout by walking the course and carrying your clubs, this way you will burn around 200-300 calories per hour. There are many excellent golf courses along the South Coast including Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino Resort, Port Edward Country Club, Southbroom Country Club, San Lameer, Margate Country Club, Port Shepstone Country Club, Umdoni Golf Club and Selborne Golf Estate. It is a little-known fact that Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel and Spa was the first ever golf housing estate in South Africa.

6 Tennis

While on holiday, tennis can help shape the focus of each day. You can wake up early for a few games before heading to the beach, or spend your day exploring and head back to the court for some evening rallies. Tennis is well-suited to family holidays and is a great way to meet other people while mixing and matching play. There are many excellent tennis facilities along the South Coast.

Whatever activity you choose, aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day and don’t forget to keep your body well hydrated and to use sunscreen. But most of all, remember to have fun – it is your holiday after all.

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