fbpx

Taking a Break from Training on Holiday: the Benefits of Rest and Recovery

Blog Author
Harry Longworth
Date of post
12 July 2024
Blog Category

As summer rolls around and holiday plans take shape, it’s important to remember that taking a break from training can be incredibly beneficial. Yes, that’s right – it’s okay to take a break from working out while you’re on holiday! In fact, it’s super beneficial. Here’s why:

The Power of a Deload:

Physical Recovery

Weight training puts stress on your muscles, joints, and nervous system. A deload – a period where you reduce the intensity and volume of your workouts – allows your body to recover fully. This can lead to improved strength and performance when you return to your regular routine.

Mental Refresh

Constant training can lead to mental fatigue and burnout. Taking a break can refresh your mind, making you more motivated and excited to return to your workouts. Use your holiday to relax and enjoy new experiences without the pressure of a training schedule.

Injury Prevention

Continuous, intense training without adequate rest can increase the risk of injuries. A deload period can help mitigate this risk, allowing your body to heal, reducing the likelihood of overuse injuries.

Recovery can help with:

  • Improved muscle growth: Rest and recovery are essential for muscle repair and growth. When you train, you create tiny tears in your muscle fibres. Rest allows these fibres to repair and grow stronger, leading to better gains in the long run.
  • Hormonal balance: Intense training can sometimes disrupt your hormonal balance. Taking a break helps restore this balance, improving everything from sleep quality to mood and overall well-being. Especially for females. 

Embrace Your Holiday 

1. Freedom from routine: Holidays are a time to break free from your daily routine. Forget about your workout schedule and immerse yourself in the joy of new experiences, whether it’s exploring a new city, lounging on the beach, or enjoying local cuisine.

2. Mental well-being: Giving yourself permission to take a break can significantly reduce stress. This mental relaxation is just as important as physical rest.

3. Getting you excited to workout again: After a restful holiday, you’ll likely find yourself eager and excited to get back to the gym. This enthusiasm can lead to more productive and enjoyable workouts.

Tips for a Restful Holiday

  • Stay active, but relaxed: Engage in light, enjoyable activities like walking, swimming, or hiking. These can keep you moving without the intensity of your regular workouts.
  • Prioritise sleep: Use your holiday to catch up on sleep. Adequate rest is crucial for recovery and overall health.
  • Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels. If you feel like moving, do something light and fun. If you feel like resting, embrace it fully.

At One Coaching, we believe that balance is key to a sustainable fitness journey. Taking a break from training while on holiday is not only okay – it’s beneficial. Embrace the rest, enjoy your time away, and come back stronger, both physically and mentally.

Recent blog posts

Top bulking foods to fuel your gains 

Top bulking foods to fuel your gains 

Whether you're new to the whole bulking game or you’ve been around long enough to know that stuffing your face with pizzas isn't exactly the best approach (although I’ll admit, a cheat meal never hurt anyone), it’s time to dive into the food that’ll fuel your gains...

Bulking Season: What is it, why do it and how to bulk?

Bulking Season: What is it, why do it and how to bulk?

As the winter is upon us, you might hear about bulking a lot more. If you’re new to the fitness game or you’re just unsure of some of the lingo, you might not know what bulking is, why people do it or how to bulk. So, let me help you out… WHAT IS BULKING? Bulking is a...

What is progressive overload?

What is progressive overload?

If you’ve been working out for a while, you’ve probably heard the term ‘progressive overload’ being thrown around. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important for your fitness goals? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand and, more...

5 top tips to help you build muscle

5 top tips to help you build muscle

Building muscle is a goal that requires a well-rounded approach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to break through a plateau, you need to ensure you are doing these five things. Here are some top tips to help you build muscle effectively: 1. Prioritise...