Your holiday fit kit: how to take your favourite activity with you

Holidays are finally back on the agenda – but that doesn’t mean you need to ditch your favourite fitness activity. These days, with the right gear, it’s perfectly possible to work out while you’re away. From the best yoga apps to portable resistance training sets, here’s a round-up of some travel-friendly fitness ideas – and the kit to assist you. A change of scenery might be just the motivation you need.

Wonder why you always get ill on holiday? ‘When we are finally able to relax, our bodies think: “Perfect! Let’s drop into healing mode,”’ explains Taryn Raine of The Remote Yogi. ‘This means we may find ourselves feeling even more anxious or unwell than before we left. Yoga helps your body recognise a different kind of healing, and allows you to actually relax.’

Taking a few minutes to stretch, breathe and be present will ease travel-sore muscles, mobilise stiff joints and help you tap into your surroundings, so you can make the most of your break. Try Taryn’s free 14-day challenge or download an app such as Find What Feels Good by Yoga with Adriene.

Grab a mat bag or carry strap and you can take your mat to the beach. Taryn has even been known to throw hers down in airport lounges. ‘The benefits multiply when you’re on holiday,’ she says. ‘And practising yoga outside just adds to the magic.’

Yoga is great for runners, too – even if you’re travelling light. ‘I travel with yoga socks so I can practise without slipping and don’t have to carry a mat,’ says Erin McNeaney of Never Ending Voyage. But if you want a little extra help, you could pack a foam yoga block. ‘They weigh next to nothing,’ adds Taryn. ‘I also take a yoga strap or resistance band – they’re small enough to go in your handbag.’ 

Running isn’t just a great way to keep fit – it lets you explore new places from a completely different perspective. ‘I’ve seen dolphins while running on the beach in Mexico, whales in the ocean in Hawaii and sunrises from the lakes of Guatemala to the islands of Italy,’ says Erin. ‘I’ve also explored Rome, Paris and Tokyo without the crowds, and gotten much further than I would have by walking.’

An early morning run can help with jet lag, while running on sand or along trails works the calves, challenges balance and strengthens joints. ‘I love running on the beach – especially barefoot, when I can splash my feet in the sea,’ says Erin.

But you needn’t stray too far from the beaten path. Local beaches, lakes and parks are ideal for holiday runners. ‘Google “running routes” and the place name to search for routes on MapMyRun before you arrive,’ Erin suggests. 

Packing light? ‘I travel with just a carry-on backpack, so I keep things simple,’ says Erin. Think running shoes, shorts or capris, a sports bra and a vest top. ‘If I’m doing lots of long runs I carry a massage ball for my feet,’ she adds. ‘Packing cubes are great for keeping things organised.’

Resistance training isn’t all about building muscle – it also helps with fat loss, heart and bone health and even back pain. But you don’t need to hit the gym – or pack a set of weights – to reap the benefits. You just need gravity, your own body weight – and every trainer’s secret weapon.

‘The TRX suspension trainer is, in my opinion, the best bit of kit for training on the go. It’s a full gym in a bag!’ personal trainer Elizabeth Banks explains. ‘It’s total body training for all fitness levels – it works with your body. You can set it up in seconds, on your hotel-room door or outside on a tree or lamppost.’ 

A quick 10-15 minute blast is all you need. Warm up with squats and golf rotations to mobilise the hips, knees, shoulders and spine. Then work your way through two-three minutes each of rows, crossing balance lunges, chest presses, sprinter start series and crunches. Do as many reps of each exercise as you can, then cool down with a chest and torso stretch, lower back stretch and hip hinge.

The TRX app will guide you through the exercises while you follow along in real time. Want to take your workout alfresco? It works with wearable devices like the Apple Watch, so you can go phone-free. ‘Holidays are a time to switch off and relax, but they don’t have to mean letting go of the activities you enjoy,’ says Elizabeth.

If you’re going carry-on only, make a set of resistance bands your go-to – you'll find plenty of ideas for full body workouts on YouTube.