Why It’s Okay If You Don’t Use the Hotel Gym on Holiday
On my recent holiday at Riu Paraiso in Lanzarote, I went with the best intentions. I told my coach that I wouldn’t be following the StrongMan training plan I have but would ‘play’ in the gym. That felt like good plan.
Once I arrived, I even stepped into the hotel gym to check out the equipment; it was decent, clean, and had everything you’d need for a good workout.
But after a couple of days in the southern heat, I realised something important: my body wasn’t asking for another session in the gym. It was asking for rest. And that’s okay.
Working Out on Holiday: Do You Really Need To?
The big question… We often feel like we should work out on holiday, to balance the all-inclusive food, cocktails, or extra desserts. But everything I stand for is that fitness isn’t about punishment.
Holidays aren’t meant to mirror your daily routine. They’re a chance to step back, recharge, and enjoy life in a different rhythm.
Hotel Gym Guilt Is Real (But Pointless)
I'm always honest. Maybe to a fault. But a part of me did feel a twinge of guilt leaving the gym without starting a session. But the truth is that guilt doesn’t help.
You don’t need to:
“Earn” your food or drink.
Prove your discipline while you’re away.
Stick to a rigid plan to be “good.”
What matters more is how you feel when you return: rested, refreshed, and ready to get back into your routine.
Holiday Rest Days Are Still Part of Fitness
Rest isn’t a weakness, it’s a key part of fitness:
Recovery supports muscle growth, lowers stress, and boosts energy.
Even professional athletes take scheduled breaks.
One week off won’t undo your progress, but it will support your body’s need to recharge.
Skipping the gym on holiday isn’t “falling behind.” It’s recognising that rest is productive, too.
Holiday Movement Beyond the Gym
Just because you didn’t train in the hotel gym doesn’t mean you did nothing. Chances are, you still moved plenty:
Long walks exploring new places.
Swimming in the pool or sea.
Climbing stairs, dancing, or just being more active in the sun.
These activities count, and often feel far more joyful than another cardio session.
Remember That Fitness Is Flexible, Even on Holiday
Stepping into that hotel gym reminded me of something important: fitness is about choice. I could have trained, but what I actually needed was rest. And making that choice didn’t undo my progress, actually, it supported it.
Missing a week of workouts won’t erase everything you’ve built. What makes the biggest difference is showing yourself compassion, enjoying your break, and picking back up when you get home.
If you’ve ever felt guilty about skipping the hotel gym, let this be your reminder: rest is part of the process. Holidays are for recharging, enjoying yourself, and moving in ways that feel good.
The gym will still be there when you get back.
Related blogs:
How to Start Your Own Health and Fitness Journey
If this holiday story resonated with you, the guilt, the pressure, the reminder that rest is just as important as workouts; maybe it’s time to start building your own version of fitness that feels good for you.
You don’t have to force it. You don’t have to follow strict rules. You just need a supportive space where you can build confidence, at your pace, in your way.
If you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to help. Book a free consultation with me today, and let’s start your journey together; one small, sustainable step at a time.
