How to lose weight while having the time of your life

The companies offering weight loss holidays promise to deliver long-term lifestyle changes for the increasingly overweight population of the developed world, by teaching people their exact calorie and exercise needs, as well as new ways to relax and unwind, to help people embrace a healthier lifestyle - for good.

There are several key benefits to taking a weight loss holiday – the change of scenery breaks your routines, there’s access to professional trainers, the chance to unwind and relax in beautiful natural surroundings and, most importantly, a regimen that’s guaranteed to help you lose some pounds. Traditionally dominated by female clients, weight loss holiday providers have lately diversified their offerings to include programs for kids, men, extended families, seniors and so on.

With all the options on offer, though, it can be hard to pick which weight loss holiday will strike the right balance for you. This article aims to provide some basic information on the most popular weight loss holiday options, and assist holiday-goers in making their next vacation choice.

Camps

The idea:from boot camps to the traditional ‘fat camps’, these training facilities are designed for vigorous exercise, meant to push the clients beyond their perceived limits.

Ideal target group:people who have difficulty devising – and sticking to - their own fitness program; people who want to lose weight quickly (in four to eight weeks); people who need someone to push them to achieve their weight loss goals.

Results and advantages:the development of muscle might sometimes outweigh the fat loss, but these programs generally produce results. The main advantage of a camp program is the very rigorous training regimen and the development of a strong spirit of teamwork and cooperation. You must, however, be highly motivated to keep up your new fitness regimen after you leave the ‘army’!

Hiking venues

The idea:quiet vacations near places of spectacular natural beauty, which you’ll visit on daily hiking expeditions. Most venues offer between ten to thirty different hiking trip options, of different levels of difficulty. Yoga sessions, and other relaxation exercises, are usually offered on the side.

Ideal target group:nature lovers, trekking buffs, people who want to lose weight but not be exhausted at the end of each day. An ideal hiking vacation takes two to four weeks.

Results and advantages:hiking is one of the healthiest cardio exercises, and done daily it can produce spectacular results. Provided the difficulty of your daily trek is chosen wisely, this kind of vacation usually means you’ll emerge with a fitter body as well as a sense of invaluable relaxation and peace of mind.

Cruise ships

The idea:combining the luxuries of a cruise with a weight loss regimenfor up to a month.

Ideal target group:people who want to combine weight loss with a life of luxury at sea and visits to some of the most beautiful ports in the world; people eager to commit to up to a month of daily exercise routines.

Results and advantages:While many cruises promise luxury and indulgence (and thus a considerable risk of weight gain), weight loss cruises take the best from both worlds and usually deliver fitter, healthier passengers at the end. The greatest challenge, besides overcoming sea-sickness, is maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the cruise is over, because this kind of weight loss holiday is also the one that least resembles the clients' ordinary lives.

Spa holidays

The idea:combining healing, relaxation and soft exercise; and developing a healthy mind-body relationship.

Ideal target group:people who want to embrace a healthier relationship with their bodies, through relaxation, gentle massage, soft exercise and a low-fat diet. A typical holiday lasts two to three weeks.

Results and advantages:Weight loss is usually a side-result, accompanied by an improvement of one’s overall health. Spas usually offer various medicinal and massage therapies, as well as personal sessions with therapists, nutritionists and life-coaches. Eastern Europe in particular offers good value holidays with many affordable and quality spas in Slovakia; or you could perhaps indulge with a luxury spa weekend in Hungary. Spa holidays are ideal for people who don’t fancy the hardships of a strenuous fitness program, preferring a relaxed but efficient weight loss program with side helpings of relaxing massage and natural beauty.
 

Whatever your preference, your BMI or your level of fitness, weight loss holidays can be a great way to unwind, lose some weight and gain some self-confidence. With options all around the world and prices for all budgets, there’s sure to be a weight loss holiday designed for you, whether you’re after fast results, adventure or relaxation.

Content provided by Alexandra Rotaru.