winter workout on a beach

winter workout on a beach

Anyone trying to fight the post-Christmas blubber must check out Thomas Cook’s guide to top destinations guaranteed to give you a fun holiday workout. 

When you consider that an hour spent packing your suitcase burns off 161 calories, it makes the stress of choosing what to take on holiday all the more virtuous. And in these destinations, fun holiday activities can provide for a great workout.

1. Snorkelling - Egypt

Considered by many to eclipse the Great Barrier Reef, Egypt’s own Red Sea Riviera on the southern Sinai coast, is renowned for its underwater scenery. Don your fins, mask and snorkel and prepare to be transported into an amazing aquatic world filled with over 250 different corals and 1,000 species of exotic fish. You’ll be so mesmerised you won’t even realise you’re actually exercising.Calories burned by an hour of snorkelling: 403

Visit Egypt with Thomas Cook: 7 nights from £542 per person

Staying at the 4-star Laguna Vista Beach in Nabq Bay on all-inclusive, flying from London Gatwick on 3 March 2013. Visit www.thomascook.com for more information.

2. Golf - Tunisia

Golfers in the know are looking to North Africa as the hottest destination to get value for money whilst perfecting your swing. Guaranteed year-round warm weather coupled with technically designed Championship level courses make Tunisia a true golf destination for groups or individuals.

Alternatively, Portugal is deemed the ‘Golfers Paradise’ as it boasts no less than 70 courses of varying design and difficulty. Numerous regions across the country are home to a variety of courses offering practice to everyone from beginners to professionals.Calories burned by an hour of golf: 463 (carrying clubs) or 262 (using a golf cart).

Visit Tunisia with Thomas Cook: 7 nights from £372 per person

Staying at the 5-star Sentido Aziza Beach Hotel in Hammamet on all-inclusive, flying from London Gatwick on 27 February 2013. Visit www.thomascook.com for more information.

3. Walking - Madeira

The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira offers more sedate walking options. Visitors can amble along water channels known as "levadas" until they reach the Laurisilva Forest, classified by UNESCO as a natural world heritage site for its spectacular flora and fauna. City lovers can roam the streets of the cosmopolitan capital Funchal admiring the old streets and city squares.Calories burned by an hour of gentle walking: 211 (at 2mph).

Visit Madeira with Airtours: 7 nights from £431 per person

Staying at the 4-star Four View Monumental in Funchal on half board, flying from Manchester on 11 February 2013. Visit www.airtours.co.uk for more information.

4. Belly Dancing - Turkey

One for the ladies, the benefits of belly dancing may take you by surprise. Regulars to Turkey will be used to seeing it as part of entertainment in hotels and restaurants, so why not try it for yourself next time on holiday there. A great stress buster, belly dancing not only works the whole body but also it can help with your posture too. Calories burned by an hour of Belly dancing: 300

Visit Turkey with Thomas Cook: 7 nights from £386 per person

Staying at the 5-star Sentido Perissia in Side on all-inclusive, flying from Manchester on 3 March 2013. Visit www.thomascook.com for more information.

5. Salsa - Cuba

Whether you have one left foot or two, Salsa is a fun and energetic way to get fit and where better to try and out some new steps than the home of Salsa itself - Cuba.  Hotels in the popular beach resorts of Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria or Varadero may offer dance lessons themselves or will certainly point you in the right direction of local dance clubs and classes. Combine the beach with a few days in Cuba’s capital, Havana, where you can embrace its rich and vibrant atmosphere with Salsa clubs on every corner.Calories burned by an hour of Salsa dancing: 449

Visit Cuba with Airtours: 14 nights in Cuba from £935 per person

Staying at the 4-star Cayo Guillermo in Sol Cayo Guillermo on all-inclusive, flying from London Gatwick on 11 March 2013. Visit www.airtours.co.uk for more information.

6. Kitesurfing - Fuerteventura

Get off to a flying start and give kite surfing a go in 2013. Known as the ‘windy isle’, Fuerteventura is ideal for watersports and thanks to the strong winds along its coastline the island has become a Mecca for surfers and kitesurfers in recent years. Head over between March and August to ensure the best conditions and sign up to one of the many courses on offer whether experienced or looking to test the water for the first time. Calories burned by an hour of Kitesurfing: 588

Visit Fuerteventura with Airtours: 7 nights in from £526 per person

Staying at the 4-star R2 Pajara Beach in Costa Calma on all-inclusive, flying from Manchester on 1 March 2013. Visit www.airtours.co.uk for more information.

7. Surfing - Australia

No trip to Australia is complete without trying your hand at surfing, no matter what part of the Australian east coast you decide on; surfing will be on the agenda. Visit Sydney, Australia’s oldest, largest and most diverse city, capital in all but name and surf the world famous beaches of Bondi and Manly. Surfing is a very physical and tiring sport, for strong swimmers with good balance. Calories burned by an hour of Surfing: 461

Visit Australia with Signature from Thomas Cook: 7 nights in Sydney from £1,150 per person

Staying at the 4-star Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa Bondi Beach on room only, flying with Qantas Airways from London Heathrow in April 2013. Visit www.thomascooksignature.com for more information.

8. Ice Skating - New York

Famous all over the world, the Rockefeller and Central Park ice rinks are magical, featured in endless Hollywood films they have become the reason to visit New York in winter. If you’re just getting your balance, head over to the rink in Central Park where there are loads of instructors on hand to help you get started and gain confidence.Calories burned by an hour of Ice Skating: 572

Visit New York with Cresta: 4 nights from £585 per person

Staying at the 3-star Wellington Hotel in New York on room only, flying with United Airlines from London Heathrow on 3 January 2013. Visit www.crestaholidays.co.uk for more information.

What are your favourite ways to work out on holiday? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK

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