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. (Yes, I'm training for strongman competitions alongside running this business; I practice what I preach about making fitness work with real life!).
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, ditching the 'no pain, no gain' mentality, 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.
If you've experienced burnout from pushing too hard, you know that rest isn't a luxury, it's essential. The pressure to work out on holiday is just another version of the 'never stop' mentality that leads to burnout in the first place.
Some days I struggle too; with motivation, with guilt, with the pressure to be 'on' all the time. And I know I'm not alone in that. 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.
This rest-first approach is especially important for neurodivergent people, who often experience fitness differently than neurotypical people. Pushing through exhaustion when you're already burned out isn't discipline—it's a recipe for autistic shutdown or ADHD burnout. Listening to your body's signals is a strength, not a weakness.
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. And the benefits of being active, mental health, stress relief, better sleep, reduced anxiety, don't require a formal workout. Moving your body in ways that feel good counts just as much as any structured gym 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. This is why setting realistic fitness goals matters so much; goals that include rest, flexibility, and self-compassion are the ones you'll actually sustain long-term.
When you get back from holiday and your routine feels hard to restart, remember: you don't need motivation to get moving again. You just need to start small, be kind to yourself, and build momentum gradually. The gym will still be there when you get back—and so will you.
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.
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Want to connect with others who understand that rest isn't failure? Join the Not So Typical Fitness Community for support from people who get that fitness should feel good, not punishing. No pressure, just understanding.
Hotel & Resort Reviews: Coming Soon
This Lanzarote trip reminded me how much hotels and resorts vary in their fitness offerings—and how little information exists for neurodivergent travellers or plus-size guests looking for inclusive, accessible facilities.
So I'm expanding my content to include honest hotel and resort reviews that cover:
Gym facilities: Equipment quality, space, accessibility, quiet times
Sensory considerations: Noise levels, lighting, crowding, cleanliness
Body inclusivity: Towel sizes, robe availability, pool/spa accessibility, staff attitudes
Neurodivergent-friendly features: Clear signage, booking systems, sensory-friendly spaces
Realistic expectations: What you'll actually experience, not marketing copy
Because travel should be restorative, not another source of anxiety. And fitness on holiday should be optional—but when you want it, it should be accessible.
Explore my hotel and resort reviews (coming soon)
Or if you want to know specifically about Riu Paraiso Lanzarote, check out my full review covering gym facilities, pool areas, accessibility, and whether it's suitable for neurodivergent or plus-size travellers (coming soon).
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.
That's exactly what my personal training approach offers: fitness that works with your life, not against it. No guilt about missed sessions. No rigid plans that ignore how you're actually feeling. Just supportive, flexible coaching that helps you build sustainable strength and confidence.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working Out on Holiday
Should I work out on holiday?
You don't need to work out on holiday if your body is asking for rest. Holidays aren't meant to mirror your daily routine—they're a chance to step back, recharge, and enjoy life in a different rhythm. Fitness isn't about punishment, and you don't need to "earn" your food or prove your discipline while away.
Will skipping the gym on holiday undo my progress?
No. One week off won't undo your progress. Rest supports muscle growth, lowers stress, and boosts energy. Even professional athletes take scheduled breaks. Missing a week of workouts won't erase everything you've built—it actually supports your body's need to recharge.
Is it normal to feel guilty about not using the hotel gym?
Absolutely. Hotel gym guilt is real but pointless. The pressure to work out on holiday is just another version of the "never stop" mentality that leads to burnout. If you've experienced burnout from pushing too hard, you know that rest isn't a luxury—it's essential. What matters more is how you feel when you return: rested, refreshed, and ready to get back into your routine.
Does holiday movement count as exercise?
Absolutely. Long walks exploring new places, swimming in the pool or sea, climbing stairs, dancing, or just being more active in the sun all count as movement. These activities often feel far more joyful than another cardio session, and the benefits of being active—mental health, stress relief, better sleep, reduced anxiety—don't require a formal workout.
How do I restart my routine after a holiday break?
You don't need motivation to get moving again after holiday. You just need to start small, be kind to yourself, and build momentum gradually. The gym will still be there when you get back—and so will you. Rest is part of the process, not a setback.
Want more honest reviews of hotels and resorts from a neurodivergent and plus-size perspective? I'm expanding my content to include hotel and resort reviews that cover gym facilities, sensory considerations, accessibility, and body inclusivity. Because fitness doesn't stop when you travel—but it should adapt to how you actually want to move.
