There’s never been a better time to catch the fitness bug, so why not get your fitness fix on a wellness holiday? Gone are the days of the mundane gym class; instead, increasingly alternative workouts are springing up worldwide to cater for fitness fans who demand more from their exercise. Fitness retreats worldwide are subsequently pushing the boundaries of what classifies as a workout; providing exciting new ways to exercise beyond the gym floor.
There’s never been a better time to catch the fitness bug, so why not get your fitness fix on a wellness holiday? Gone are the days of the mundane gym class; instead, increasingly alternative workouts are springing up worldwide to cater for fitness fans who demand more from their exercise. Fitness retreats worldwide are subsequently pushing the boundaries of what classifies as a workout; providing exciting new ways to exercise beyond the gym floor.
It’s time to ditch the treadmill, as we have trawled the globe to discover the world’s most unusual fitness classes. From facial gymnastics in Italy to laughter therapy in India, these alternative holiday workouts offer individuality worth travelling for.
For those whose idea of a perfect workout is to sweat then stretch, look no further, as BodyHoliday’s ‘Spoga’ class is the answer to your prayers. ‘Spoga’ complements the current trend for hybrid fitness classes, providing you with 20 minutes of spin class and 20 minutes of yoga. This workout is certain to boost your overall wellness, as the relaxation of yoga will repair the body after such high intensity calorie-burning. Reap the benefits of a paradise island wellness retreat, as you relish the soul-soaring views of the glossy green St Lucian jungle, while enjoying Spoga classes in a luxurious glass treehouse.
Beautiful views, lavish rooms and fine dining food; Atmantan is an ideal destination for those seeking a luxury spa holiday. Deadly as it may sound, the ‘RIP trainer’ provides an effective workout for improving core strength, burning calories and increasing cardiovascular endurance. It will soon become your favourite TRX tool, as the level bar fitted with an innovative resistance cord is great for muscle-defining rotational exercise. Once you’re done, relax and unwind at Atmantan’s blissful spa, with healing treatments that will rejuvenate both inside and out.
Throw out the makeshift anti-wrinkle creams, and get active about your looks with facial gymnastics. Lefay’s ‘Fit & Face’ class provides therapeutic facial exercises that lift and tighten your muscles, giving you naturally youthful results that everyone will notice. Bask in the tranquillity of this peaceful sanctuary, and alleviate years of built-up muscular tension. An excellent choice for an anti-ageing holiday, this workout not only counters ageing effects on the face, but has an anti-stress element that will make your entire body smile. Afterwards, take your new look for a spin, and venture out around the luscious greenery of the Gargano mountains.
Laughter is indisputably the finest medicine, and the perfect alternative to western pharmaceuticals. Feel organically restored on a holistic healing retreat as you take part in holistic laughter and breathing exercises, and engage in group meditation under SwaSwara’s large Banyan tree. This healing treatment is designed to lower blood pressure, boost your immune system and, most importantly, will leave you beaming from ear to ear. Enjoy a spine-tingling rush of endorphins as you laugh out loud and relieve yourself of negative emotion. SwaSwara’s infectiously positive environment is sure to leave you feeling giddy with glee.
Venture to vibrant Vietnam and combat those calories with a cardio workout inspired by the animal-style Kung Fu movements practiced in Shaolin temples. The ‘Warrior Workout’ promotes strength and fitness with inner-healing, with bodyweight exercises such as the ‘crouching tiger’ and the ‘lean leopard’, designed to aid your health and improve digestion and agility. An ideal destination for a yoga and fitness retreat, Fusion Maia’s holistic approach to fitness means you can experience hard-core fitness training in an uplifting and zen environment. Complete your healing experience by releasing any energy blockages with one of Fusion Maia’s refreshing spa treatments.
It’s time to drop the break-up blues and get that ‘revenge body’ in check with ‘Shred the Ex’ boxing. Take time for yourself on an uplifting singles fitness holiday, and use your post-separation passion and rage to fire up your fitness and energise your body with this endorphin-boosting workout. This boxing regime, taught by a supportive and encouraging Bastian and Raw Muai Thai boxing team, is sure to leave you feeling both mentally and physically stronger than ever before. The inspiring atmosphere of Phuket Cleanse is ideal for those wanting an entirely transformational fitness experience, matched with sun-kissed beaches, wholesome organic food and a blissful salt-water pool.
Borgo Egnazia’s enchanted village resort provides a holiday that outperforms others, with a personal fitness regime that goes the extra mile for your health, fitness and mental well-being. For those seeking an emotional healing experience, ‘Connect’ involves one-to-one dance therapy involving physical touch and eye contact; an intimate, energy-healing experience, designed to awaken your spirit through sensitive and energetic connection between you and your personal therapist. You will develop a deeper understanding of yourself, and an astounding sense of clarity as you rid yourself of negativity and find a euphoric balance within your spirit and emotions.
Nestled amongst 3,500 hectares of unspoiled African wilderness and thrilling wildlife, Karkloof Safari Spa provides an escape from modern life like no other. Offering unusual fitness classes like bamboo dancing, you’ll learn some new dance moves amongst an idyllic backdrop of lush vegetation and a tranquil waterfall trickling in the background. As an eco-friendly spa retreat, Karkloof utilises local resources, and uses local bamboo as a fun dance tool to entice guests into engaging with indigenous Zulu dance practices. The vibrancy of the fast-paced traditional Zulu music is sure to get you up off your feet and dancing with delight.
