More and more people are delaying their “summer” holidays until autumn, choosing instead to take refuge from summer temperatures in air-conditioned bliss and wander the city’s empty streets. Just a few weeks later, they can enjoy a break when the beaches have returned to their natural state and, if you’re in the south, it’s still warm enough for a dip. If not, they’re still ripe for long walks under a less intimidating sun. If that idea appeals to you and you want to take advantage of your downtime to get fit, fly down to Huelva and let the experts at one of the best holiday resorts in Andalucia – Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort – whip you into shape.
Part of the plan for this physical reset is to put yourself into the capable hands of the staff in charge of the new holiday box at the Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort, each and every one of them CrossFit-certified professional.
Head of the box, and the hotel’s U Spa, Jorge Riande, told us, “…clients who attend our strength and conditioning training, which is based on constantly varied functional exercises performed at high intensity, say that at the end of their stay they can see a clear improvement in each of the 10 physical abilities: 1. cardiovascular resistance, 2. aerobic resistance, 3. strength, 4. flexibility, 5. explosiveness, 6. speed, 7. coordination, 8. agility, 9. balance, and 10. precision.”
He admits that it’s a challenging sport, but adds, “the spectacular environment in which it takes place, with 250m2 of open air facilities surrounded by wild natural spaces, all equipment by Singular WOD, the relaxed atmosphere, and friendliness of the people you’re working out with means that even though you’re on holidays, you won’t want to miss a single class”. Among the equipment available, Riande mentions assault bikes, rowers, climbing ropes, battle ropes, plyo boxes, bars and weights for weight lifting, dumbbells, kettlebells, gymnastic hoops and bars, weight sleds, balls, bands, and skipping ropes.
According to Riende, “Many of the people who sign up for classes at the holiday box ask us for advice about how best to complement their routines with other activities that allow them to really enjoy 100% healthy holidays”. He says that, depending on the needs and abilities of each guest, “…we often suggest that they try running on the 4km of beach beside the hotel, or that they visit the spa to have a few sessions aimed at helping muscle recovery, with exercises in the hydrotherapy pool, contrasting jets, and a relaxing Vichy shower with effervescent water”. 
“When we’re asked for nutritional recommendations, we usually recommend the Zone Diet, which combines carbs, protein, and fat at a 40-30-30 ratio, aiming to optimise hormonal responses, control inflammation in the body, avoid getting sick and improve performance. If guests so choose, we can also give them a meal plan that is easy to follow in our restaurant and continue at home once they return from their holidays.”
