While some people took the pandemic as a chance to learn a language, work out like Chris Hemsworth, write a screenplay and read a Nobel Prize winning book a week, the rest of us ate a lot of UberEats and watched Netflix.
Now, as travelling is once again on the cards for much of the world, many holidaymakers – especially in America and Europe – are flocking to fitness resorts in order to shed those pandemic pounds.
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One, who went to Movara, a fitness resort in Ivins, Utah, 11 months into lockdown, told CNN Travel, “I just felt so uncomfortable in my body.”
Finally took advantage of the gym here at the apartment complex, it’s going to take a minute to shed these pandemic pounds. pic.twitter.com/GIo0DDY6HD
— Irenio G. Salazar (@NenSalazar) August 9, 2021
CNN Travel also points out that – according to a March research letter published in JAMA Network Open – “Americans gained more than half a pound every ten days of lockdown.”
We’re not exempt here in Australia either. According to the RACGP one in three Australians have gained weight during the pandemic.
The RACGP also states that globally, 31% of people have reported gaining weight since the onset of the pandemic.
It’s probably not a coincidence then that fitness retreats are now being spruiked all over the world – from Spain and Malta to Cancun.
Vivir by V in Spain has launched new Wellness & Health Programs designed to help transform lives through fitness, nutirition and restorative treatments. For more information visit https://t.co/uSsQ7aVnok
— WellnessTourismAssoc (@WTATourism) August 9, 2021
Why a fitness retreat in the Mediterranean paradise of Gozo should be on the top of your travel list 😍 👇#VisitMalta #MaltaisMore #MoretoExplorehttps://t.co/G1uG8XJfTj pic.twitter.com/GALYcjvoOX
— VisitMalta (@VisitMalta) October 15, 2020
Are you feeling stressed both mentally & physically? Are you short to tempered and have little patience? Then a fitness vacation may be just what you need. Fitness holidays can be the perfect place to re-commit to a healthier lifestyle.
Learn more👇https://t.co/ik0bsv1BhT— Infofit (@INFOFIT) August 3, 2021
Though Australians are not yet able to travel internationally, one imagines Bali’s yoga studios, fitness resorts and F45 businesses will, in the post-pandemic years, see a boom akin to what is being currently seen in America and Europe right now.
RELATED: ‘New Era Of Hedonism’: Adults Only Resorts Still ‘Swinging’ Despite Pandemic
On that note: CNN Travel reports that Slimmeria – a weight loss, detox and fitness retreat operator in the United Kingdom – has been sold out since May, while retreat guide and review site Queen of Retreats is “seeing the same thing.”
Founder of the retreat guide, Caroline Sylger Jones, told CNN Travel: “Definitely people are looking to lose their lockdown weight and get fitter.”
Fitness resorts are the new big franchise business opportunities.
— Dissecting the Markets (@stockmarkettile) August 7, 2021
The travel news publication also listed a host more retreats and resorts and spas seeing a similar phenomenon all across the US.
Tweets recently posted to Twitter would appear to back this up.
“From this to this,” one woman wrote.
After a challenging 7 day fitness retreat….from this to this! #GettingHeartHealthy pic.twitter.com/VRZAsgLXGW
— Nicky Mawer 💙 (@NickyMawer) July 10, 2021
Others were disturbed by the notion that – at some of these camps – there would be no wifi.
was looking into a “fitness retreat “. It sounded great till they mentioned a WiFi curfew… err… no thanks! pic.twitter.com/jI9GWsHzBo
— Manan 🤦🏽♂️ (@manan) August 3, 2021
As for us? As soon as borders open we’re heading straight to Bali to redeem ourselves after our last (disastrous) floating breakfast experience.