Why I Still Exercise on Holiday

Last week I spent five days in Tenerife.

The weather was beautiful. It was amazing to be by the sea. And it was lovely to spend a few uninterrupted days with my partner.

Each day, alongside relaxing by the pool, we explored a different part of the island.

And every morning, I either ran along the coast (marathon training doesn’t pause for holidays) or used the hotel gym for a short weights session.

Not because I believed a slow run in the heat or a workout in a fairly basic hotel gym would dramatically improve my fitness.

But because I knew it would improve my day.

The boost in energy, the dopamine and endorphins, the sense of momentum — all of it carried me into the day feeling better. The short-term discomfort was worth it.

It meant I could enjoy an afternoon sangria without feeling sluggish.
It meant I could take my top off at the waterpark (yes, at 26 years old) without feeling guilty about the enormous all-inclusive breakfast.
It meant I felt calmer on the flight home — less reactive to turbulence, more relaxed, and far more likely to sleep after starting the day with movement by the sea.

I don’t just exercise for how it makes me look. I exercise for how it makes me feel.

It quietens the little voice that says I’m not doing my bit to look after myself. That peace of mind makes me more present, more relaxed, and happier.

Physiologically, the benefits of exercise accumulate over time. Consistency is what creates change.
One workout — or one missed workout — won’t transform your body or fitness.

But repeated workouts will.
And repeated missed workouts will too.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. My sessions weren’t. They were shorter and slower than usual.

But showing up reinforces my identity as someone who looks after themselves. And that identity gives me a daily “feel-good” boost that improves the quality of everything else I do.

Something to consider if you’re not feeling motivated to move this week.