Whatever your age or fitness level, you have various options when it comes to strength training. Many of these are flexible enough that you can do them at home, in the gym or at your hotel or other accommodation, and indoors or outside.
18th August 2025
Strength training uses resistance to develop endurance and muscular strength. There are many ways to strength train, choices include:
In truth, you’ll probably want to combine elements of the different options, since, as with anything else, there are pros and cons to each. But, ideally, you’ll do some strength training two or three times a week.
After all, there are many benefits of strength training, from increased mobility and flexibility to reducing your risk of falls or injury. You can also elevate your metabolic rate, help manage blood sugar levels, boost self-esteem and improve your heart heath. Equally, you’ll also want to combine with some aerobic exercise like running or walking.
There are a number of strength training options including:
You can also use kettlebells and exercise balls. These offer a versatile, flexible workout and focus on balance as well. Experts recommend starting with a very low weight of just a kilo or two, and then building up gradually. If you’re new to lifting weights, consider getting some help from someone who knows what they’re doing, or joining a class.
Weight machines
These may not be the most flexible choice, but they offer stability, a time-effective workout plus a fixed pattern of movement and give beginners the opportunity to get going in strength training. So they’re a great way to start. They’re safe and straightforward, and you can begin without much in the way of skill, experience or technique.
These are the most portable option, perfect for popping into your suitcase. Use them to develop muscle, balance and flexibility without having to pay for a gym membership.
The bands or tubes are elastic (or fabric) and varied resistance levels are available, affecting how far you can stretch them and how hard it is to do so. They’re inexpensive and easy to pack and take with you when travelling.
You can use them to work your back, legs, arms, chest, shoulders and other muscle groups in various configurations. Some people find them easier to work with than barbells or dumbbells.
This includes exercises such as squats, planks, lunges, push-ups and pull-ups. You essentially use your own body weight as a form of resistance. You need almost no equipment (except maybe a mat), yet you’ll get a great workout.
Remember to vary both the number of reps (repetitions) you do, and the type of exercise.
School’s out and you may well be off work, so daily life probably feels a little different for the moment. But that’s no reason to stop your regular strength training. You can do many of the options discussed above in a park or on the beach and the conditions for being outside are much better than usual. So incorporate an outdoor workout into your holiday routine.
Wherever you are on vacation, you’re unlikely to be far from an outdoor gym, offering the perfect opportunity to get in a strength training session under the sky during your break. If you’re at home enjoying a staycation in the UK take a look at our map to find your nearest outdoor gym.
These amenities offer a full-body workout whatever your previous experience with strength exercises, regardless of ability.
Fresh Air Fitness supplies its award-winning outdoor gym equipment, including machines for strength training, all over the UK. You’ll find our gym pieces in schools, residential settings, parks and other locations this summer.
If you’re interested in installing a gym like this in your community, get in touch for an informal chat and we’ll take it from there. Alternatively, download our brochure to learn more about our varied product range.
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