In this short discussion I share my thoughts and findings on why the upcoming scramble to book our annual vacation can lead to an increase in poor health decisions and subsequent outcomes.

Holidays are essentially a break from the norm, being work, household chores, family commitments and in some cases mental or emotional stress.

Assuming we are fortunate enough to escape overseas for two weeks, there's a possibility of over indulging in processed foods, alcohol and or erratic sleep patterns, caused by jet lag or late nights.

Fourteen days of non stop gorging in all you can eat package holidays, topped off with alcohol consumption, some of which starts at the airport en-route to our destinations and often continues throughout the day on sun and sand holidays.

Adding approximately one pound of excess bodyweight every other day will eventually culminate in returning home with an unwanted pot belly, double chin, elevated heart rate and increased stress / anxiety.

Add to this the dread of going back to work the following day with a fading tan, it's not out of the question you quietly reflect on your two weeks of excess and once again face the post holiday blues, only this time, you now have a weight problem of which you guessed it.....another holiday might fix.

My advice as a professional personal trainer, is to choose your next vacation carefully and perhaps even opt for a adventure base excursion, health retreat or sports orientated trip away.

Should your hotel have a gym, then use this at least every other day, for an early morning fitness session, followed by a high protein based breakfast and afternoon swim. If you don't have access to a hotel gym, go for the more regimented room based workout, of squats, press ups, sit ups and mobility movements to kick start your day of sunbathing, strolling and reading a book on the loungers.

Regarding alcohol, consider enjoying your tipple every two or three days, instead of every day, or even complete abstinence to ensure you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.

Next time you book your holiday, step on your scales and make a self respecting plan of action to get fit prior to going away, rather than crawling to the airports unfit and overweight, who knows, it might continue whilst your away.

Oh...and remember your sun block folks.

Watch the full episode on YouTube, listen on Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Podcasts.

Health:No Filter (formerly Over 40s Fitness with Tristan Lowe)

Thanks for listening.