Date of publication 26/08/2019
Healthy live in holidays A summer without worrying about the scales
Because going on vacation doesn't mean neglecting your shape
Have fun to the fullest
Resting and staying in shape are no longer opposing concepts. Nowadays, it’s possible to enjoy a summer without gaining extra weight or feeling guilty. The first rule is to see exercise and a healthy lifestyle as just another form of fun, taking advantage of what the destination and your hotel have to offer. In other words, let your muscles move endorphins and smiles as well.
Holistic well-being
It’s common to associate staying in shape with constant exercise, but the first thing to remember is that well-being must be holistic. In other words, the body not only needs to be stimulated but also cared for and pampered to reduce stress and restore vitality. There’s no point in running 10 km a day if your skin is suffering and anxiety drives you to eat more and worse. That’s why one of the keys to a healthy vacation is also focusing on the holistic side of relaxation through health and beauty treatments at any of Iberostar’s spa hotels.
Balanced nutrition
Before you panic and start imagining a long list of restrictions, take a look at the menus in hotel restaurants and buffets. Haven’t you noticed that more and more of them feature delicious, healthy dishes? Any 21st-century luxury establishment also stands out for offering breakfasts and meals with recipes that help you stay in shape. The next level is Iberostar’s Fit & Fun program, which even includes a series of tasty, healthy recipes to combine ingredients and serve as a guide so that mindfulness and indulgence never clash.
Other drinks
Healthy beverages are a mark of quality for the world’s finest hotels and resorts. Smoothies, shakes, juices, and alcohol-free cocktails make all the difference. So when you’re pairing a sunset at a beach club, think of something more fruity and refreshing. Your body will thank you, Instagram will love it under the #healthy tag, and the magic of the moment will only grow.
Make the most of the pool!
Yes, even if it doesn’t seem like it, some people don’t realize that a pool can be much more than just a place to cool off. Among the many benefits of exercising in this aquatic environment, injury prevention stands out, since the risk of impact and strain is reduced. It also improves performance due to water resistance, provides relaxation, and of course, allows you to work out even on the hottest days. But there’s one factor that has become even more important in recent years: it can be fun. Pool workouts go far beyond swimming, as thanks to the entertainment and fitness programs offered by many hotels, you can dance, do fitness or aerobics right over those blue tiles.
Long live novelty!
The coast, the sea, the cities... the destinations you discover on vacation can be much more than just the backdrop for your photos. They are also the perfect stage to try new experiences, such as water sports or outdoor meditation. The growing professionalization of amateur sports has brought a wonderful result: there’s a discipline for every kind of traveler. So, why not try kayaking on the sea in Crete, surfing in Fuerteventura, or yoga in any park in New York?
Better together!
Many specialists, including those from Iberostar’s Fit & Fun program, highlight that besides having fun, being mindful of your diet, taking care of yourself, and making the most of your surroundings, it’s important to challenge yourself. That means setting a small goal for your vacation, from walking to the end of the beach every day to finally catching a perfect wave. But if you’re someone who finds it hard to stay motivated, the best thing is to take on these activities with your family, your travel companions, or even with the group of sports enthusiasts you meet at your hotel. The experience will also bring a rewarding social boost.
Make technology your ally
Challenging yourself becomes much easier when you can monitor your performance with any app. Of course, no one is required to track everything—especially on vacation—but pushing your own limits is always a plus when exercising. Another advantage of new technologies is the availability of training programs that help with two things: optimizing effort and staying motivated with personalized tutorials. In fact, some Iberostar hotels now offer tablets to Fit & Fun program users, providing a virtual trainer that adapts to their needs.
Live in the moment
In general terms, mindfulness is simply about focusing on what you’re doing, enjoying every moment, allowing yourself the luxury of not thinking about anything, and letting your skin become your brain. Something that sounds simple but isn’t, and requires using your phone only for useful things, avoiding an overbooked schedule, pausing to sa-vor a coffee on Ocean Drive or a juice in Montego Bay, or simply letting yourself be guided by instinct and whatever you feel like in the moment. Achieving this total disconnection is a holistic reward that will make your vacation far more fulfilling.
Add it to your travels
Visiting a destination can also be a way to exercise without even realizing it. For example, did you know that walking up three flights of stairs burns 50% more calories than running up a ramp or lifting weights? Climbing to your room step by step or skipping elevators in museums or shopping centers is just the beginning. Other examples of how easy it is to combine sport and discovery include renting bicycles instead of using a car for short trips, or exploring the coves of Mallorca or Ibiza by sailboat.
