Why Holidays Can Be Tough on Your Body

Patrick Jennings

Jul 2

2 min read

Holidays are meant to leave us feeling refreshed…

So why do so many people come back with a sore back, stiff neck or aching joints?

At this time of year, it's something I see regularly in clinic. Interestingly, it usually falls into one of two categories.

Holiday Type 1: You Do Far More Than Usual

For many people, everyday life involves:

Then suddenly you're on holiday.

You're exploring new cities, walking 20,000 steps a day, climbing hills, carrying suitcases and spending hours on planes or in the car.

Your body hasn't suddenly become "weak"—it's simply being asked to do far more than it's been preparing for.

The opposite can happen too.

If you're normally active, your holiday might involve:

A week of doing much less than your body is used to can leave muscles feeling stiff, joints less mobile and old aches creeping back.

Whether you're doing far more or far less than usual, your body is dealing with a sudden change in routine.

Our bodies are remarkably adaptable, but they also like consistency.

Big changes in activity levels—either up or down—can sometimes expose underlying stiffness or niggles that were already there.

I'll let you into a little secret...

Almost everyone tells me they'll keep up with their mobility exercises or stretches while they're away 🤔

Very few actually do!

You don't need to spend half your holiday exercising, but even 5–10 minutes of gentle movement each day can make a surprising difference.

A short walk before breakfast, a few mobility exercises in your room, or a quick stretch before bed can all help keep your body feeling happier.

moving a little each day.

Holidays are there to be enjoyed, not spent worrying about your back or shoulder.

A little preparation, a little movement and listening to your body can go a long way towards helping you come home feeling as good as when you left.

Have a fantastic summer, wherever you're heading.