You pack your runners, maybe even a resistance band, with the best intentions. “I’ll train every second day,” you tell yourself. This holiday will be different.

Fast forward a few days—you’re sitting on a balcony, coffee in hand, looking out over the beach down south (or maybe a resort pool in Bali). The plan was to train this morning…but the idea of another coffee, a lazy breakfast, and maybe a nap is looking way more appealing. “I’ll do it later,” you tell yourself. Later becomes tomorrow. Before you know it, you’re on the drive/flight home, realising you barely moved all week…and feeling stress about what that’s going to mean when you return to the gym.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Staying active on holiday can be tough. You’re out of routine, in a different environment, and it’s way too easy to just switch off completely. But with a little planning, you can keep moving and make your return to training easier.

1️⃣ Have a Plan Before You Go

Knowing what you’re going to do before you get there takes away the hardest part—decision-making. Whether it’s our daily at-home workout, a running or swimming challenge, or just a commitment to 10-15 minutes of bodyweight exercises, having a simple plan makes all the difference.

I always go in with ONE simple plan – do something on the FIRST MORNING.  For me, if I do something the first day then I’ve found I’m pretty likely to stick with a routine…the more time I leave it, the easier it is to say “Hey, I’m on holiday – I’ll just wait till I get back…”.  And you know how that works out.

2️⃣ Find a Buddy or Accountability System

Training with someone is always easier, but even if you’re flying solo, get someone in your travel group to check in on you. A simple “Hey, did you get your session in today?” can be enough to keep you on track. If you’re traveling with family, get them involved—beach sprints with the kids, partner workouts, or even a morning walk together can help keep movement part of the trip.

3️⃣ Get Support Before You Leave

If you know you struggle with motivation, reach out to one of the coaches before you go and arrange for a few simple text check-ins. Even a quick message saying, “How’s training going?” can be enough to keep you accountable.  It’s amazing how much of a driver it is to get 15-minutes of 200m runs + sets of 10x Pushups and Squats if you know you’re going to be asked later that day “So did you get it done today…”.  Reach out for support – that’s what we’re here for.

4️⃣ Set a Minimum Standard

Instead of aiming for full workouts every day, set a minimum goal—10,000 steps, a short mobility routine, or a 5-minute core session. If you want to do more, great! But setting a small, achievable target keeps you moving.

I find a ‘change of environment’ a great opportunity to do something different – so rather than look for a gym a 30-40 minute run through the bush or bootcamp style circuit becomes my go-to…stuff I can do without equipment or too much planning.

5️⃣ Use Your Environment

I guess I half covered this in the previous point, but holiday training becomes ‘easier’ when you are able to make the exercise part of the overall experience. Beach holiday?  Jump up early and run along the beach then finish with a quick dip pre- breakfast.  City holiday?  Find one of the great parks of the world – think ‘The ‘tan’ in Melbourne, Hyde Park in Sydney – or the grand-daddy of them all – Central Park in New York and get out amongst it.  Use a park bench for step-ups and push-ups, and join in with the locals as they follow the ‘running track’.  Of course, if your hotel has a gym a 5km rowing challenge or quick weights circuit will keep your momentum rolling.

6️⃣ Plan the Comeback

Even with the best intentions, sometimes the holiday wins, and that’s okay. The most important thing is how you return. Instead of letting a break turn into a slump, lock in your first session back at the gym before you even leave. Better yet—book in for a consult with one of our coaches to set some fresh goals for the next training block – you can do that here:  https://round1fitness.com.au/free-consultation/.  That way, when you come back you are coming back with a clear plan and maybe a new goal!

A holiday doesn’t have to mean falling off the wagon. With a little planning, you can keep moving while you’re away and make your return to the gym even stronger. Need help getting back into a routine? We’ve got you—reach out, book a consult, and let’s get started.

See you in the gym,

Michael.