Working out is a key step in the quest to get fit and healthy, but which style is best suited for you? Whether you want to tone up, slim down or get fit mentally and physically, we take you through five of the best fitness workouts, so you can find the best method to achieve your goals. We also round up five of our handpicked luxury fitness holidays where you can enjoy all five of these workouts on one amazing healthy holiday!
Circuit training is a high-powered workout style that incorporates both aerobic and resistance techniques to achieve super-fast results. If you want to shift those few extra pounds and tone up, circuit training may be the fitness programme for you. Using a variety of strength-based movements including squats, press-ups and core work, performed at a high-intensity, you can not only gain strength but also improve your cardiovascular fitness. Doing these movements as a circuit with little rest in-between will raise your heart rate and increase your aerobic capabilities. The effort you put in heightens your metabolic rate, burning off calories for hours after you finish. These types of fitness workouts can be performed without equipment, so you don't have to be a member of a gym to improve your health.
A one-on-one Thai boxing session at Absolute Sanctuary
An all-encompassing training style; improving speed, endurance, strength and acting as a fantastic stress-reliever. Whether you want to learn the sport of Muay Thai kickboxing or simply get a fun, energetic workout, the techniques are easy to learn so improved fitness is just round the corner. Incorporating jabs, upper-cuts and a variety of kicks, Muay Thai is a very popular sport in many countries around the world, none more so than the place of its birth - Thailand. Aerobic conditioning plays a big part in the sport, raising your heart and breathing rates to burn calories and improve your overall fitness. Workouts can release endorphins to help reduce stress and frustration, alongside the physical act of punching away any built-up tension, improving your overall wellness.
Strength Training at The Body Camp
If you want to improve your strength and tone your muscles, a well-structured weight-lifting programme is ideal. Weight-training has become more popular in the last few years with some form of strength-based work now a commonplace in many people's fitness regimes. Targeting muscle growth can be achieved by working in rep ranges of 8-12; higher rep ranges will also include an element of cardiovascular work and lower reps will work primarily on strength. Working out against your bodyweight is a good way to start and prime your muscles for growth, especially if you don't have access to equipment. Compound movements such as the squat and deadlift work multiple muscles at once so are perfect to help transform your body.
A group yoga class at The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines
Stretch out your muscles in a relaxed, calming atmosphere, learning how to better control your body. Ashtanga Yoga helps work your core muscles, toning legs, bums and tums whilst creating a sense of mental focus. There is an emphasis on deep breathing techniques, which teamed with the exercise, can help improve lung capacity and aerobic conditioning. Ashtanga Yoga employs methods to raise body heat, causing you to sweat and therefore help to detoxify your body. Yoga is more than just a fitness workout; its focus on mental strength also helps to combat stress, anxiety and contributes to overall well-being. Many spa holidays and resorts now offer both cutting edge and traditional yoga and relaxation classes to add to your healthy holiday experience.
A bootcamp holiday for all your fitness needs. Under the guidance of expert trainers the bootcamp offers you opportunities to take part in a whole array of healthy holiday activities. If you want to increase your strength with their TRX suspension training, improve your body and mind with yoga or simply take in the scenery and fresh air with holistic cycling they have all bases covered. An early morning run down the beach is a must!
Circuit Training: Circuit training on the beach and by the pool
Martial Arts: Beach boxing
Strength Training: TRX resistance training
Cardio: Holistic cycling, swimming, mountain biking and beach joggingYoga:Yoga and Pilates
Situated close to the beach and bordered by gorgeous vegetation, Absolute Sanctuary boasts a variety of classes and workouts designed to push you to your limits. Highlights of the fitness retreat include kickboxing and daily yoga classes including Ashtanga, Hot Flow and Yin Yoga. Whether you want to learn the basics of Muay Thai or have a beach-front circuit workout, you are guaranteed to be taken through your paces in the most stunning of locations.
Circuit Training: Beach bootcamp workouts
Martial Arts: Muay Thai kickboxing
Strength Training: Weight training sessions with personal trainer
Cardio: Sunrise walks, Thai fitness classes
Yoga: Ashtanga, Hot Flow, Yin Yoga and Pilates
BodyHoliday in the Caribbean island of St Lucia is a luxurious all-inclusive wellbeing resort that offers a rounded approach to health and fitness. It’s one of the best places in the world for a wide range of activities that will please even the most demanding fitness fan, including golf, swimming & Scuba diving, fitness classes and tennis courts.
Circuit Training: Interval training, assault course, pool circuit
Martial Arts: Boxercise
Strength Training: Arm, chest, back & leg workouts
Cardio: Volcano hike, swimming, beach jogging
Yoga: Yoga, Pilates
The Body Camp is an exceptional luxury fitness resort on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Ibiza. It focuses on retraining both the body and mind for a full personal transformation, with a fitness programme designed by first class health and nutrition experts. You will be eating three delicious meals and two snacks a day (to retrain your habits – focusing on portion control) without cutting out any major food groups. Superfood shots and smoothies as well as unlimited herbal tea will also power you through the day. The training is designed to help you gain lean and toned muscles by burning fat efficiently
Circuit Training: Circuit training with a personal trainer
Martial Arts: Boxing
Strength Training: Weight training, TRX
Cardio: Hiking, Aqua Fitness, sunset walks, dance
Yoga: Yoga, stretching, meditation and Pilates
Our Fusion Fitness holidays are a great way to experience a whole variety of activities, lessons and treatments designed to reinvigorate your body. Choose from Tai Chi to power walking, Thai boxing to TRX training, and tone your body whilst improving your overall well-being. This secluded wellness resort is perfect for a cleansing, holistic holiday. Why not take their Travel Training class and then relax with a traditional herbal Thai massage?
Circuit Training: Travel training
Martial Arts: Thai boxing
Strength Training: TRX, Power Balance
Cardio: Mountain biking, beach power walk
Yoga: Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Pranayama, meditation, Tai Chi and Pilates
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news, offers & £50 off your first holiday.