8 great fitness breaks
New Groove Fitness GetawayMontego Bay, JamaicaSoak up the sun while revamping your lifestyle on this five-star Caribbean break. Join in a huge array of innovative classes - Pilates, Pi yoga, Beamlates, spinning and more – or hop on a horse, smash some tennis balls and pump iron in the gym.Families are well catered for, with plenty of options to keep kids of all ages entertained (but avoid the unethical dolphin lagoon) while you burn off those calories.Book it: 0800 051389, www.halfmoon.com
Three-way health breakBuckinghamshireGet a grip on all aspects of your health with this holiday that works on your physical, nutritional and mental well-being. These new Health Hub breaks by Health Matters 360 provide a multifaceted approach of nutritional consultations and workshops, relaxation and mind matters coaching and fitness programme. Balanced gourmet food and luxurious boutique accommodation make this a hard-core break for softies.Book it: 07780 700226, www.healthmatters360.co.uk
Ayurveda breakCroatiaCleanse mind, body and spirit on an Ayurvedic getaway much closer to home than India. A medical doctor complements the team of Ayurvedic specialists to help you find balance in your life using this millennia-old therapy that covers nutrition, stress reduction, relaxation, yoga and spa-style therapies. You’ll stay in the Villa Astra, a cute boutique hotel on the Croatian mainland.Book it: +385 51 240 400, www.lovranske-vile.com
Cornish cycling breakCornwallIf the thought of group sessions makes you want to cringe, then hop on two wheels for an independent fitness boost on a self-guided cycle tour through Cornwall. Pedalling along the coast and through the countryside, you’ll burn up to 500 calories a hour while taking in the gorgeous scenery. Sure, it’s a bit chilly in winter, but once you get going, you’ll appreciate the cooling breeze. Luggage is transported for you fro small hotel to country inn, maps are provided and restaurants recommended, so all you need to do is free-wheel your way to fitness.Book it: 01637 880710, www.cornishcycletours.co.uk
Ballroom for beginnersNottinghamshireThink your chance to learn to dance is behind you? Hotfoot it to Ballroom for Beginners at Thoresby Hall Hotel & Spa near Sherwood Forest, where where you can work off your Christmas excesses as you learn to waltz and quickstep with six hours of tuition over two days – an intensive, but fun, health boost. And if you’re still in the mood by April, Warner Leisure Holidays has lined up your favourite BBC1 professionals for a series of Strictly Come Dancing Experience Breaks.Bookit: 0800 138 2633, www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk
Ski-yoga weekFranceForget stumbling to the lifts with stiff thighs and joints, risking serious injury as you make those tentative early turns on the slopes. After pre-ski one-hour Vinyassa flow yoga session at the eco-luxe La Source chalet in Samoens, France, you’ll swoosh down the slopes feeling relaxed and focused from your very first run. And in the evenings, it’s back to the chalet for healthy, organic gourmet meals. After a week here,you’ll be stronger, fitter, slimmer and bendier,without feeling as if you’ve been on a health break at all.Book it: +33 (0)4 5058 6107, www.sourcealps.com
Winter walking, ScotlandScottish HighlandsWrap up warm for this winter ramble through the Highlands’ glorious Cairngorm mountains. On this small-group walking holiday (no more than eight people), you’ll learn the skills needed to face winter-walking challenges (ice, snow, cold, etc). Better still, you burn more calories in cold weather for the same amount of effort,and the scenery is so stunning, you’ll be distracted from that inevitable muscle burn.Book it: +44 (0)131 625 6635, www.wildernessscotland.comYoga short breakSlovakiaStretch your way out of the winter doldrums on a revitalising short yoga break in the scenic Tatra Mountains. Six yoga sessions, led by British professional yoga instructor, tutored meditations and two guided walks will keep you on the move, while the The Grand Hotel Kempinski’s lavish spa will help you recover.Book it: 01614 088988, www.tatrayogaholidays.com
This was originally written for www.allaboutyou.com