Stay active and enjoy your life – Keep’er Fit

Last week I was away skiing with a few secondary schools at Axamer Lizum, helping as a leader. What an experience this was for everyone involved. It was a little bit different and more challenging than other trips I have been on because of Covid testing and protocols, but we got there in the end.

Putting that to one side, 270 pupils and staff were enjoying themselves while keeping active. There were first-time skiers from the age of 13 to 60 all equally having the same amount of fun. Keeping active and enjoying the whole experience is what I love most about skiing. It doesn’t matter if you are the fittest person there; when you push yourself down a few slopes, you’ll soon start to feel the burn. There is also no hiding place on the slopes, and sooner or later, your fitness level will reveal itself. This trip may have been that little wake-up call for a few people to increase their physical activity when they get home.

The enjoyment you get from living an active lifestyle opens doors to new experiences and adventures. The slopes are a prime example; the views alone are worth the holiday price. Having a coffee on top of a mountain just taking in all the sights is something you don’t get the chance to do every day. The memories you make away on active holidays are unforgettable. I still remember the first time I went skiing when I was 13 years old. Back then, it was by far the best week I ever had and something I have continued to do ever since. Like me, The young lads and ladies who were away on this trip will never forget it. The sense of achievement when you hear them say stories about going down different coloured slopes, taking tumbles, and just laughing as they share stories about what happened as they came down the mountain.

You can say you get similar memories while away on more relaxing holidays, which we need from time to time, but you get the added physical benefits of active holidays. Plus, you don’t have much trouble getting to sleep at night after a warm shower and a nice meal.

Booking an active holiday will also increase the chances of focusing more on your physical capacity pre-trip. It may get you out walking more, hitting the gym or getting some extra practice for the active holiday you have chosen. It also doesn’t have to be extreme. Picking a holiday because they have lovely beaches or trails to explore can be beneficial for the mind and the body. When I visit a new place, and if they are available to rent, I always like to hire a bike. You get to explore more, travel further than on foot, and if it’s a warmer climate, it’s a great way to work on your tan. If there are no bikes, then just head for a run. Even on this trip, one of the female teachers is a keen runner and took a few boys out for a run in the snow, so there was no need for excuses from anyone.

There is a lot to be said about going on an active holiday; why not even add in a few more physical activities to the next holiday you go on.

By Gary Wallace