How fit do you need to be for our Zakynthos Escape?

How fit do you need to be for our Zakynthos Escape?

Daily training, a countryside run and sunset boxing on the helipad, alongside an infinity pool, electric-blue sea, hidden bays and long Greek lunches with the crew.

If you’ve been looking at Zakynthos and wondering “am I actually fit enough for this?”, here’s what you need to know.

The short answer: you definitely don’t need to be the fittest person in the group. But we recommend a good base level of fitness, some consistency with your training and a willingness to get stuck in.

Here’s what the week actually asks of you.

What are the workouts like?

Expect Salt’s usual mix of strength, conditioning and cardio, programmed to challenge you and led by our expert coaches.

And we're not exactly short on places to train. There are workouts overlooking the Ionian, sessions around the villa and, on Friday, we turn the helipad into a boxing ring as the sun goes down.

And yes, you’ll squeeze in one final sunrise session before breakfast on Saturday.

The training is challenging. We’re proud of that. But our coaches are there to get the best out of you, not make everyone train at exactly the same level. Movements can be scaled when needed, while still giving you a proper workout.

[SEE THE ZAKYNTHOS ESCAPE]

Tell me about the Navagio run...

On Tuesday morning, we lace up and head out through Zakynthos' rugged countryside, running towards one of the most famous views in Greece: Navagio Shipwreck and the electric-blue Ionian below.

But if running isn't currently part of your training, we'd recommend adding some easy miles before you travel. You want to be able to look up and enjoy where you are rather than spend the whole thing wondering how much further there is to go.

And when you get back to the villa? Straight into the ice baths before breakfast.

[SEE THE ZAKYNTHOS ESCAPE]

What happens on Boat Day?

We'll start with a workout, but after breakfast, the trainers are swapped for swimwear and we're heading out on a private yacht to explore the Zakynthos coastline.

Think white limestone cliffs, hidden bays, sea caves, swimming and cliff jumps, with lunch, drinks and music onboard. It's one of the biggest days of the week, but not because of what we're asking you to lift, run or row.

Sometimes the only reps required are jumping off the boat and climbing back on.

What should I do before I go?

You don't need to suddenly start training twice a day.

If you're already exercising consistently, keep doing what you're doing. A mix of strength, conditioning and cardio will put you in a good place for Zakynthos.

If things have been a little hit and miss lately, focus on getting some consistency back before you arrive.

A good base might look like:

• 2 strength or conditioning sessions a week
• 1 to 2 easy runs or other cardio sessions
• Regular walking and general movement
• Some mobility or yoga alongside your training

For Zakynthos specifically, we'd definitely get a little running into your legs before you come, because that Navagio view deserves to be enjoyed.

[SEE THE ZAKYNTHOS ESCAPE]

What if everyone else is fitter than me?

You don’t need to match anyone else’s pace or weights. Our coaches can adapt movements so you’re challenged at your level and still part of the session.

Every Salt group has a mix of people and strengths. Some sessions will feel more familiar than others, and your coaches are there to help with both.

You don't need to be brilliant at everything.

Our coaches will challenge you at your level and scale movements where needed, while keeping everyone training together.

The important bit is that you arrive with a decent base and ready to have a go.

Is there enough recovery?

Yes! And you'll be very glad about it.

Monday has a guided mobility session between workouts. Tuesday's run ends with ice baths. Thursday is a much gentler day after your morning workout, with massages, yoga and a long afternoon around the pool before dinner out by the water.

Then there's all the unofficial recovery: ocean swims, long lunches, sun loungers and doing very little beside the infinity pool.

So, am I fit enough for Zakynthos?

If you already exercise regularly, have a decent cardio base and feel comfortable taking on challenging workouts across several days, you're starting from a good place.

If you haven't trained consistently for a while, we'd recommend giving yourself some time to build that base before you join us.

You want to finish that Navagio run and still appreciate the view, finish a morning workout and have enough left for Boat Day and have enough energy left for sunset boxing on the helipad.

And when you are ready to stop moving, that infinity pool isn't going anywhere.

[SEE THE ZAKYNTHOS ESCAPE]