I recently took a holiday to Italy, and I had a great time doing some activities that were out of the normal. I walked for miles each day, exploring the city’s many historical landmarks. I also took a time to visit some of the vineyards and indulged on some tasty Italian dishes.

I found that taking a break from my regular workout routine was actually beneficial. I came back to my workouts feeling refreshed and motivated.

I also found that I was able to enjoy my holiday more when I wasn’t constantly thinking about my fitness goals.

It may be surprising to hear that taking a holiday can be an important part of your fitness journey.

While it may seem counterintuitive to take a break from exercise, rest and recovery are just as important as training itself.

When you take a holiday, you give your body a chance to rest and repair itself, which can help you prevent injuries and improve your performance overall.

In addition to physical benefits, taking a holiday can also have mental and emotional benefits.

When you're on holiday, you're free from the stresses of everyday life. This can help you to relax and de-stress, which can improve your overall wellbeing.

Check out some of the specific benefits of taking a holiday below.

• Reduced risk of injury: When you're constantly training, your body is constantly under stress. This can increase your risk of injury. Taking a holiday gives your body a chance to rest and recover, which can help to reduce your risk of injury.

• Improved performance: when you’re well rested, you will have more energy and stamina for your workouts. This can help you to improve your performance and achieve your fitness goals.

• Increased motivation: when you take a break from your regular routine, you can come back to your workouts feeling refreshed and motivated. This can help you to stick with your fitness programme in the long run.

• Improved mental and emotional health: taking a holiday can help you to relax and de-stress. This can improve your overall mental and emotional well-being, which can have a positive impact on your fitness journey.

If you still feel the need to move on your holiday, here are a few options:

• Start with a destination that offers plenty of opportunities for physical activity could include hiking, swimming, biking, or exploring new walking trails.

• Plan some time for relaxation: this could include reading, taking naps, or spending time in nature.

• Don't feel like you have to stick to your regular workout routine: If you're feeling tired, take a day off from exercise.

• Be mindful of what you eat: it’s OK to indulge a little bit on holiday, but don't let your diet completely derail your fitness progress.

Have a great holiday and B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. Active For Life on Facebook