The Butterfly Effect
Use your next travel holiday as the moment of your transformation.
Beyond the Beach
Every year, the spring’s thaw brings a promise (or dire warning) of summer clothes and beach wear. It is a time during which many of us also wish our unwanted winter pounds would equally succumb to the spring melt. Among the many motivating moments in life that inspire us toward higher levels of fitness, like walking down the aisle, high school reunions, birthday milestones, and wading back into the dating pool, vacations can also be equally inspiring of fitness transformation.
True, travel holidays come in many forms. Some are indulgent and adorned with mile long buffet tables, some are decadent and sinful, and some are scheduled and busy. Yet, for others who are in control of their agenda and timeline, and whose surroundings allow, travel holidays can also be a time to reconnect with yourself, your life goals, and to begin anew.
It’s common for people to diet prior to a beach vacation. In the case of brides, a Cornell University study indicated that 91% of brides-to-be wanted to lose weight before the big day, with an average desired weight loss of 23 pounds. Yet, even with the motivation, only about 1 in 5 brides reach their goals.
Research shows that it’s more common to gain weight during vacation than lose it. Yet, there is increasing interest in reversing that statistic — making your next vacation the ultimate physiological reset.
Jump-start vacations have been trending and are likely to be increasingly popular in the post-Covid world. New studies indicate that, on average, our fitness and health has deteriorated significantly under lockdowns, but more importantly, that these negative wellness metrics seem to be persisting after lockdowns are lifted.
Physiological Benefits of Travel
One of the advantages of modern science is that we can now measure biological effects in ways that were impossible a generation ago. A fascinating study of 94 women by the University of California San Francisco and Harvard University discovered that a relaxing one-week resort vacation actually brought about genetic changes that lasted up to one month post-holiday. Studying 20,000 genes in each individual, the researchers discovered that genes controlling stress and the immune system were most significantly affected. In many cases, relaxation techniques we learned or acquired during our holiday can be applied when we return home, ultimately extending the positive effects of the holiday indefinitely.
Wellness vacations are opportunities to reset and redefine yourself.
While travel that is oriented around spa-like relaxation experiences have been the hallmark of wellness vacations, options to get in shape while traveling are numerous — and growing.
Here are some interesting ideas to ponder in the post-Covid world of wellness travel:
Tuscany, Italy
Active Holidays
Organized cycling and hiking tours are an amazing way to see the world. There are countless options for various degrees of challenge, location, schedule, and budget. Cycling tours are particularly varied, some being self-guided tours along carefully planned routes and scheduled hotel stays, and some are fully supported with guides and group rides. The benefit of cycling is that one can get a real sense of travel, particularly in Europe, from town to town. It’s the perfect way to combine fitness, while not forgoing on culture and culinary delights.
Hiking is another fantastic way to get in shape while touring new locations. For fitter folk, famous hiking holidays have included Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, and Machu Picchu. Yet, there are equally difficult excursions in the Canadian and American Rockies, the Appalachian chain, and across Europe and Iceland. Guided “walking holidays” are a wonderful way to work off vacation meals without having to prepare and carry actual hiking gear.
Yoga and wellness retreats, where you stay in one location to rest, recharge, heal, and improve your overall wellness are an increasingly popular way to holiday. Being in one restful spot and not having to think about too much locomotion can be a more appealing alternative for many. Some resorts also offer a variety of day adventures, guided nature experiences, or water sports.
Cycling:
www.biketours.com
www.trektravel.com
www.backroads.com
Hiking & Walking:
www.activeadventures.com
www.walkingholidayliguria.com
www.fitpacking.com
www.thenaturaladventure.com
www.utracks.com
www.walkingtours.com
www.thebrokebackpaker.com
Yoga Retreats:
www.bookyogaretreats.com
www.healingholidays.com
www.thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk
Relaxation and Healing:
https://www.blissbodyretreat.com
https://www.conradalgarve.com
https://www.rakxawellness.com
https://www.almarjesolo.com
https://www.santeretreat.co.za
https://www.thebodyholiday.com
This article does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the opinion of a medical professional before starting a nutrition or fitness program.