Staying Active on Holiday: Keeping Up with Your Rehab Routine

When we think of holidays, most of us picture relaxation, beaches, food, and switching off from the usual routine. That is exactly what a holiday should be, but if you are currently following a physiotherapy program or working through a structured rehab routine, taking a complete break from movement can set you back. The key is not about exercising intensely every day, but about keeping your body moving, staying consistent, and weaving physiotherapy principles into your holiday lifestyle.

Movement over perfection

Physiotherapy and rehab do not always require specialist equipment or a gym. Many of the most effective rehab exercises such as bridges, squats, calf raises, clams, core activation or banded mobility drills can be done anywhere. On holiday, think in terms of short bursts rather than long sessions. Ten to fifteen minutes in the morning or before dinner can be enough to maintain your progress. It is about consistency and maintaining strength rather than chasing new gains.

Use your environment

One of the hidden perks of being on holiday is that opportunities for movement are everywhere. Exploring a new city on foot, swimming in the sea, hiking along a coastal path or cycling through town all double up as functional rehab-friendly activities. When you apply the principles your physiotherapist has taught you, such as mindful posture, pacing, and controlled movement, you are effectively integrating physiotherapy into your life, which is the ultimate goal of rehab.

Pack light, train smart

Packing smart can also make all the difference. A resistance band is light, takes up no space in your suitcase, and opens up dozens of exercise options. Combined with a towel for floor-based exercises, it becomes your portable physiotherapy toolkit.

Listen to your body

It is equally important to listen to your body. Travel often brings long flights, heavy luggage, new mattresses, and full days of activity. All of this can contribute to stiffness or flare-ups. Scheduling regular body check-ins helps. A morning stretch, a quick mobility routine before bed, or even some mindful breathing can reset your body and reduce tension. Rehab is not about punishing yourself, but about supporting your body consistently.

Make it enjoyable

Finally, make your routine enjoyable. Physiotherapy does not have to be boring or clinical. On holiday, it can be part of a sunrise stretch on the balcony, a poolside workout, or even playful movements with friends or family. A holiday is the perfect time to rediscover how good movement feels and to reconnect with your body in a positive way.

Physiotherapy should fit into your life rather than the other way around. A holiday is your time to recharge, and by blending rehab with your travel routine you will return home not only refreshed but also stronger, looser, and more resilient. If you would like to work with a team of physios who will help you to enjoy all aspects of life, please contact us to find out more.