The New Year

After all the stress and time spent Christmas shopping, it is no wonder that most of us over-indulge during the festive period to compensate. The inevitable New Year’s resolutions will then be made, and the majority revolve around trying to live a healthier and more exercise orientated lifestyle in the forthcoming year.

However, these well intentioned resolutions often fall by the wayside before Spring. Why is this the case? Well, it can be down to unrealistic aims, no concrete goals or simply a lack of willpower. Setting goals that are achievable is key, as having a goal that is far beyond your capabilities can demoralise you from the outset. Deciding to go running every morning when you haven’t run since cross-country at school is unrealistic; going running a couple of times a week and gradually increasing the time and distance at a comfortable rate is much more sensible. Mapping out realistic aims will re-enforce your motivation, consciously and subconsciously, and make the road to accomplishing your health and fitness resolutions a successful one.

One cannot argue with the myriad of health benefits that demonstrate how regular exercise can make you live longer and make you less susceptible to illness. At Health and Fitness Travel we are firm believers that a positive attitude towards exercise and wellbeing is extremely beneficial. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions be to try out one of our magnificent holidays; a holiday that can help you detox, de-stress and increase general wellbeing.

- David

Tennis in Cyprus

As a tennis enthusiast, I was delighted when I went on the Tennis Academy holiday at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. I really managed to develop and improve my technique with the help of professional coaching every day.

Based in the beautiful country of Cyprus, Aphrodite Hills is set on a stunning plateau overlooking the crystal waters of the Mediterranean. It boasts its very own Tennis Academy that supplies coaching geared towards each individual player, whilst catering to the wide spectrum of player abilities. Group lessons are available on an individual, group and family basis, as well as private and semi-private lessons too. Features of the coaching include stroke correction and a video analysis of general play.

There is also a Pro Shop where you can purchase latest models of ‘HEAD’ rackets, general ‘FILA’ and ‘HEAD’ tennis garments, including shoes and a host of other tennis accessories. A re-stringing and racket hire service is also on hand. In the middle of the tennis courts is the Smash-Bar where you can enjoy food, drink, shade and a chance to socialize with fellow players.

Whether you are keen to work on your all-round game, sharpen up a rusty backhand or simply just have fun in the glorious sunshine at this award winning resort, this is one tennis holiday which lives up to its name! Best of all after my tennis games I was given a recovery sports massage which is just what I needed!

If you want to participate in a range of other activities but that also integrate some tennis then you could opt for the Aphrodite Hills’ fantastic Health and Fitness program. In addition, the Tennis Academy works in conjunction with The Retreat Spa, which delivers a complete fitness and wellness experience. Set off to the astounding Aphrodite Hills tennis academy holiday and improve your game and learn new techniques so you can really win that game!

- Dave

A Healthy and Fit Christmas

Christmas may be fun but it can also be a hectic time of the year thanks to all the parties, shopping and festive preparations. Because most of us drink and eat too much, we burn the candle at both ends and the season may have a not-so-festive effect on our health, predominantly energy levels, digestion and immune system. The last thing we want is to get burnt out.

If we are eating foods that we don’t normally consume during other months of the year, then no wonder our digestion suffers. All that alcohol we consume at Christmas doesn’t just pose a risk to our livers but it weakens our immune systems too. Try and have all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to avoid digestion problems and keep your energy levels and immune system high. Making sure we get our five a day will help to maintain a healthy body, protecting us from illnesses and decreasing the likelihood of weight gain.

Exercise is another great stress-reliever. Several medical studies suggest being active may help boost our immune system. As well as eating healthy, drink plenty of water as it helps to cleanse and rehydrate the body.

Exercise is a fundamental part of keeping a healthy body and mind. With the days getting darker, most of us begin to feel the winter blues, but the solution is simple; exercise regularly to get those good endorphins running through our body. Try not to cut out the regular exercise routine during Christmas as it’s so vital we keep our body healthy and fit in order to fight off the horrible Christmas viruses.

Keeping healthy and fit will not only mean we will look good at the Christmas party, but will positively affect our mind and our resistance to illness. Most importantly we will feel refreshed, energetic and ready to start the New Year with a healthy body and mind.

- Paul

Healthy Aspirations

Health and Fitness Travel has launched and we believe that maintaining a healthy body by learning to incorporate a healthy lifestyle as part of our enjoyment away on holiday is essential. Swapping the ‘fly and flop’ traditional way of holidaying to one where you promote your health through learning an inspiring new activity or perhaps taking part in a recreational activity you really enjoy such as yoga is the healthy option. This can fill you with confidence and a sense of well-being, long after your holiday has ended. As many of you will know already the fantastic feeling you experience after exercise or a massage, we aspire our travellers to feel that great on holiday and even more healthy, fitter, inspired and energetic.

Our usual approach to ‘do nothing’ on holiday to unwind does work, but it’s not the most effective method. Quite often on this type of holiday we put on weight because we eat and drink, yet our bodies cannot expel this energy from our inactivity and therefore stores up in the body as fat. Learning to combine health and fitness activities with relaxation on holiday really is the ultimate holiday experience.

Seldom resorts round the world have facilities that are promoted to their guests in such a way that encourages us to take part. All our holidays feature a variety of facilities, or focus on a single activity, such as a cycling or tennis. We take pride in hand-picking and ensuring that your destination will support our aspiration.

Make 2011 a year of revitalised health and fitness

- Adam