From kettlebells to Kathmandu, medicine balls to medicine men and laps to Lapland, adventure’s out there for those who seek it. And you don’t have to put your fitness on ice while you take a holiday either.
Whether it’s trekking Kokoda, running the New York Marathon, abseiling in the Blue Mountains or kayaking in Halong Bay, sports tourism is gathering pace among gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts as a way to inspire and give purpose to their training.
Setting yourself a physical challenge can throw a sweaty gym sock at the nagging voice that wants to hit snooze rather than hit the gym at 6am. It can be hard to commit to a fitness program, but knowing that you’re going to have to tough it out on the trails or scale a cliff face at some point in the near future can give you the zeal you need.
And don’t forget us. We’re here with the specialist programs that will get you off to a flying start. Hike Fit, Run Fit, Ski Fit, Racquet Fit, Golf Fit, Ball Fit, Footy Fit, Court Fit, Seniors Strength, Bike Fit and the Half Marathon program – they’re all available to you in the My Profile section.
So read on, get some ideas and let your fitness take flight.
On yer hike!
Outward Bound’s Summit to Sea
What is it? An epic journey from Australia’s highest mountain to the south coast of Victoria that takes in three states in 26 days. Hiking solo and in expeditions, caving, a river expedition and challenges to test both your initiative and leadership make this a trip not one for the faint hearted ... but there’s a lot of fun to be had along the way.
Who’s it for? Serious adventure types, grown up boy scouts.
Best training program: Hike fit, Strength
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WildEndurance
What is it? Places are still available for 30th April’s WildEndurance, a 100km, 36-hour team trek through the stunning World Heritage wilderness of the Blue Mountains. The challenging and exhilarating route starts in the beautiful Megalong Valley before winding onto the Narrowneck ridge, under the Katoomba cliffs, around the Three Sisters and through the awe-inspiring Jamison valley before eventually finishing at Katoomba Oval.
Who’s it for? All reasonably healthy people, providing they train for the event.
Best training program: Hike fit
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*at time of publication.
Peddle to the mettle
The Great Outback Cycle Tour
What is it? A bike-bound gulf-to-gulf crossing of Australia. Starting in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, the tour peddles through the Flinders Ranges and traverses the infamous Birdsville Track, covering some of the most remote land in the country. From here the group cycles north through Channel Country to Mount Isa before hitting Gulf Country and the tiny fishing town of Karumba.
Who’s it for? You don’t need to be super fit, just bike fit, the organisers claim. And they’ve even had one person celebrate both his 80th and 81st birthdays on the trip so age is no excuse.
Best training program: Bike fit
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Tour de France
What is it? You might not be able to compete for the yellow jersey but you can ride the Tour de France route. Australian operator Topbike Tours offers two trips, including one 10-day itinerary that actually follows the Tour de France event and incorporates seven days of race viewing. The group of 13 riders covers 400km and climbs many famous mountains, including Port de Palheres, Plateau de Beille, Mont Ventoux, Col de Glandon, Croix de Fer, Alpe d’Huez, Lauteret, Col de Sarenne and the Col de Galibier.
Who’s it for? Bike mad thrill seekers who’ve clocked up plenty of hours in the saddle.
Best training program: Bike fit
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Run the world
Half marathon with the full experience
What is it? Combining a holiday with a halfie can be a fantastic reason to travel, plus you’ll get to see some fantastic sights along the way. There’s the Big Five Half Marathon in South Africa each June, where runners from all over the world meet at one of the great ‘big five’ game reserves, the Angkor Wat Half Marathon in Cambodia, the Fiji Mountain Race, the Great-Wall Half Marathon and the Kilimanjoro Half Marathon to name a few.
Who’s it for? All running and travel enthusiasts, with training.
Best training program: Half marathon
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Scenic fitness
What is it? Scenic Fitness offers running tours a bit closer to home. Enjoy a guided run through the streets of Sydney with your own personal trainer to point out the sights and fill your with facts along the way.
Who’s it for? Fitness fans who don’t have the time to sightsee.
Best training program: Walk to run, Run 5km
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Find your zen
Health retreat
What is it? Zone out in a Bali zen den with daily yoga, fresh juices and massage. There are so many holistic hideaways on offer you simply need to decide how much you want to focus on the yoga, and how much on the healing.
Who’s it for? Anyone who wants to de-stress and detox. You don’t need to be a yoga-pro just as long as you enjoy the practice.
Best training program: Health
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Surf-yoga combination trips
What is it? Enjoy all the relaxation of a health retreat with the added exhilaration of surfing or diving in these surf-yoga combination trips that give you the chance to experience inner and outer worlds to their fullest.
Who’s it for? Beachy types who like to stretch out after a hard day on the waves.
Best training program: Health, Sport
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Training off piste
Heli skiing in New Zealand
What is it? Skiing demands strength, flexibility, muscular endurance and balance and, if you want to cut it off piste, you’d better get on the gym floor. As if careering down black runs isn’t exhilarating enough, heli skiing in New Zealand’s Southern Alps would see you lay down the first tracks in an untouched powder-kissed paradise. Just the motivation you need to finish that extra round of squats.
Who’s it for? Ski enthusiasts looking for something special.
Best training program: Ski Fit
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Ski Dubai
What is it? Dubai is not famous for its snow but that doesn’t stop the desert powder hounds from carving up some runs. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with real snow all year round. There are five runs that vary in height and gradient, including the world’s first indoor black run.
Who’s it for? Snow worshippers who were overruled on the holiday destination.
Best training program: Ski Fit
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