“If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most cost-effective drugs ever invented.” – (Quote Dr Nick Cavill)
You probably have some sense that exercise is good for you—and you’ve probably heard that it’s ¨healthy for the heart¨. But if you’re like most people, that’s not enough motivation to get you to break a sweat with any regularity. There is an estimation that only 20% of the people in the Western world get the recommended 150 minutes of strength and cardiovascular physical activity per week and more than half of all baby boomers report doing no exercise whatsoever.
Whatever your age, there’s strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life. People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term (chronic) conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.
In addition research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Exercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose. To stay healthy, a minimum of 30 minutes a day, or at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities can allow you to enjoy a number of health benefits. If you are regularly physically active, you may:
- reduce your risk of a heart attack
- manage your weight better
- have a lower blood cholesterol level
- lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
- have lower blood pressure
- have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower risk of developing osteoporosis
- lower your risk of falls
- recover better from periods of hospitalisation or bed rest
- feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better.
For most people, the easiest way to get moving is to make activity part of everyday life, like walking or cycling instead of using the car to get around. However, the more you do, the better, and taking part in activities such as sports and exercise will make you even healthier.
If it is difficult for you to incorporate physical activity in your daily routine, a fitness holiday could be a helping hand and a great starting point. It will allow you to work together with a personal trainer. He/ she will check on your physical state and can recommend which type of exercise would be best for you. A fitness trainer can advise you how to make physical activity fun and easy to integrate into your lifestyle. But not only a PT can be helpful, also the presence of other guests who have the same goal as you can be very helpful, motivating and fun! During a 1 week fitness program you will get into the habit and you will experience how much fun exercising can actually be.
The top 5 Wellness holidays of SIS Wellness Holidays, which are aimed at physical activity are the following:
1. Miret Bootcamp, Catalunya, Spain
Miret Bootcamp Retreat is situated between the coast and the mountains, this stylish country villa offers a storybook Mediterranean setting just outside the little white village of Sitges, 30 minutes from Barcelona. The nearby beaches, the scenery and the climate makes this the perfect place for outdoor sports and fitness all year round. It is the ideal setting for a luxury bootcamp group retreat that combines lots of world-class fitness sessions with Mediterranean healthy food. The diet has been created to maximise your fitness goals without sacrificing taste! Only food to revitalise and complement your training will be offered, ensuring you never go hungry.
This 1 week program ensures you lose weight and improve your fitness in just one week! Your program starts with an initial welcome chat with the chief trainer to identify your fitness goals and nutritional needs. The program consists of cooking classes, a daily morning walk, 3-4 hours of training a day like functional training, kettlebell training, boxing classes, TRX workouts, beach training circuits, etc. And in the evening there will be evening yoga classes and/ or other team activities.
2. Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Algarve, Portugal
Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel in the Algarve, Portugal is the new place to be if you are looking for an innovative wellness destination where ¨New¨ and ¨Traditional¨ come together, the latest Western techniques combined with the ancient holistic therapies of the East all in the luxury surroundings of a contemporary 5 star hotel! The perfect place to kick-start a fresh, healthy lifestyle and a happier life! A great way to a better YOU!
A Fitness Break at Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, might be exactly what you need to get that physical activity integrated into your day to day routine! After an extensive fitness evaluation and testing this program will be focused on getting you fit and in your best possible shape again, with personal training sessions and some invigorating treatments. Dedicate your time, your physical form and mental health will be grateful!
3. Galomar Hotel, Madeira, Portugal
The Galomar
Hotel in Madeira really is the perfect choice for an active holiday! The
friendly, adult-only 4* Hotel is part of the Galo Resort and is located on the
south coast of the island with amazing views over the Atlantic ocean. If you
are looking for an exceptional active holiday experience with all the services
and activities you could dream of in a unique atmosphere that features stunning
ocean views, private bathing complex, a unique sports club, indulging
(Ayurveda) treatments and local and international cuisine, then Galomar is the
right choice for you!
At the Galomar hotel you will find a wide range of activities both on land and
in the water; as well as an extensive and professionally equipped Fitness
Center. The Fitness program starts with an initial Fitness consultation, which
is used to prepare the Personal Training sessions, there are group classes to
suit every taste and relaxing massages to enjoy after the activities. The
year-round mild climate available in Madeira together with lots of sun
massively contribute to the positive feeling you will get both physically and
mentally after this week long program! You will return home with lots of motivation
to continue exercising once back home!
https://www.spa-in-spain.com/hotels-and-spas/hotel/galomar-hotel/7-night-get-fit-in-the-sun/
4. Longevity Cegonha Country Club, Algarve, Portugal
Longevity Cegonha Country Club is a charming hotel located in the beautiful Vilamoura, in the Algarve, Portugal. Whilst only 4km from the nearby beaches, this is very much a Country Club nestled in the tranquil and green area of Vilamoura, and above all provides excellent Spa & Wellness facilities and services, ideal for the discerning fitness or wellness guest.
Longevity Cegonha is a fabulous choice for those looking for a healthy break in the temperate Vilamoura sun, whether it be juice fitness, detox, weightloss or re-balance . The venue is understated and nestled on the edge of a nature reserve, providing a very relaxed and peaceful setting. The team really are fabulous and with a weekly schedule of physical activities you can do as much exercise as you want. A great place to start getting physical activity a part of your daily routine!
https://www.spa-in-spain.com/hotels-and-spas/hotel/longevity-cegonha-country-club/3-night-feel-fit
5. La Crisalida Retreat, Alicante, Spain
Find a place of peace, rest and rejuvenation at the friendly health and wellbeing centre ¨La Crisalida Retreats¨ located on the stunning Costa Blanca, Spain. Whether you are looking for time out from a busy stressful life, want to kick-start a healthy lifestyle, detox your body and mind or want some quiet time for yourself, you will find it all at La Crisalida Retreats.
La Crisalida is specialised in helping people getting back on track of a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and physical activity implemented in their daily life. It is a group retreat with only like-minded people which, for some people, will make it easier and more fun!
The retreat offers daily activities like walking, rebounding, yoga, stretching etc. All on a level which is accessible for everybody.
https://www.spa-in-spain.com/hotels-and-spas/hotel/la-crisalida-retreat/