HOLIDAY season is in full swing, and we’re all trying to enjoy ourselves without going over the top. My philosophy is that if you take care of yourself for 11 months of the year, you can afford to let go a little for the remaining four weeks or so.

That sets things up nicely to indulge during summer holidays and at Christmas without the guilt that usually accompanies a lax approach to health and fitness. No one ever woke up obese after an oversized turkey dinner or lost all of their fitness after a few days making the most of an all inclusive hotel bar.

We’ve all been on holiday with the person who must find a gym for fear of losing all their strength or not burning enough calories. Or the type that as you read a book, they secretly listen to the spin class playlist and pine for lycra and something uncomfortable to sit on. Or the very worst humans: men looking for low-carb beers, seemingly unaware that the compromise on taste (and manliness) is not worth the few calories saved.

In fact, hHolidays are perfect for punctuating rigid diets and exercise programmes, giving body and mind much-needed rest.

Gym goers are good at putting in the work in the weights room (if you believe their social media posts) but often bad at taking rest days. The body doesn’t like being battered continuously without the chance to recover and grow stronger. Professional athletes have programmes that include recovery phases, reducing the risks of burnout and injury. A week off here and there throughout the year may not be the most scientific approach to rest and recovery but it’s better than nothing. Continuous dieting also stresses the body so ‘diet breaks’ can help relieve some of this stress and also keep the mind sane. An increase in calories can help kick-start weight loss during a plateau by rebooting hormones that influence fullness and fat burning.

Holidays shouldn’t be an excuse for going completely off the rails, particularly if you have weight loss or serious sporting goals. Post-holiday blues are much worse if the scales think you’re still carrying your suitcase. But while a few pounds of weight can be shifted any time and cobwebs blown off of running shoes, you can’t rewrite memories. Make sure you have a good time this summer whatever you do.

Ronny Terry is a Swindon-based personal trainer and fitness writer.
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