Next week I’m flying to Italy for a week away and boy I’m excited. I’ve bookmarked where I can find the best cafes for morning pastries and restaurants for homemade pasta. I’ve mentioned my holiday to a few members in the gym but today one asked me if I was going to find a local gym for the week.
No. The simple answer.
Shocked, he asked, but aren’t you worried about gaining weight and “getting a belly”.
It dawned on me so many of us still worry about taking a week off. I remember so clearly packing weeks worth of gym clothes in my suitcase when I first got into fitness. I was determined to get up before everyone and go for a run, to use the hotel gym or do a HIIT circuit in my room. Did I? Rarely.
While I’ve already posted a blog about the physical side of taking a week off (read), I’d like to post a new one targeted specifically toward dealing with the anxiety that comes with it. If I said I never feared missing the gym for a week or more I’d be lying, so I won’t. In fact writing this now is as much to calm myself about my trip next week, as it is to help you before yours.
At this point in my life the gym is a part of me, it’s part of my daily routine, something I look forward to and make sure I fit in. When I’m on holiday however, unless I’m travelling with a fellow eager gym buddy or really want to try out their gym I usually won’t do anything other than lots of walking and the occasional mini hotel workout. I get it, when the routine you’re so used to is suddenly ripped away it’s normal to start to feel antsy, but I promise taking a week off won’t kill you. Nothing bad is going to happen.
1 Redefine fitness
Fitness can be so many things to do many people. Your idea of fitness may completely differ to your friends. Expand what you currently think of as ‘fitness’. Make the most of your body and what exercises you can do with it alone. Count those long walks from one side of the city to the other. Hire a bike, ride around and get lost. Fitness can be whatever you make it
2 Get some perspective
There are 365 days in a year, what will taking 7, 14, 21, 27 of those off in the grand scheme of things do? You can’t get the body of your dreams in a week (we all wish) and you sure can’t loose everything you’ve worked for in a week.
I hope that when you come back and find you’ve not gained everything back, that you’re not back to where you stared and that you may actually be stronger you’ll feel less anxious the next time you take time off.
3 Focus on what you are doing NOT what you’re not doing
Holidays are where memories are made. Make plans to visit famous landmarks, to try food you can’t get at home and get excited about the chance you have to explore somewhere new with loved ones. Remember to be grateful you have the ability to see the world, to experience a different way of life and soak in the culture.
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We stress way too much about taking time off (I’m guilty too) but I promise you’ll be fine. When you’re back into the routine, you’ll wonder what you were so worried about and will be dreaming of your next holiday in no time.
