Does the tan fade faster than the inner glow ?

Does the Tan Fade Faster Than the Inner Glow?

The flights are booked, the passports are out, and the countdown has begun.

My clients are already halfway to their getaway in their minds , whether that’s Thailand, skiing in Canada, or European beaches — dreaming of movement, freedom, and time away from routine.

There’s a particular glow that appears before a holiday.

Eyes sparkle. Shoulders drop. Outlook improves. Suddenly protein is still important… but so is gelato (or pad Thai, or chalet hot chocolate). And honestly, both can coexist.

In the weeks leading up to a trip, I hear it often:

“I’m going to come back so fit.”

“I’ll be walking heaps.”

“I’ll probably swim every day.”

“I’ll be so ready to train hard when I’m back.”

And I love this energy. I really do.

But let me paint you a familiar future scene.

It’s a Monday morning. 6:15am.

You’ve just returned from Thailand, the ski slopes of Canada, or four weeks on European beaches - sunshine or snow, long days, late nights, and a lot more horizontal time than usual. You walk into the gym bronzed (or goggle-tanned), buoyant, and full of optimism.

“I’m ready to go hard!” you declare : practically bouncing through the door, despite jet lag still negotiating with your nervous system.

Then we squat.

And reality gently taps us on the shoulder.

Your enthusiasm is deep , but your squat?

Stiff. Sticky. Slightly unsure what decade it’s in.

What feels “not too bad” today will feel spectacularly awful tomorrow.

And this is where the smart prep comes in.

Because your body is clever.

One or two weeks off? No problem. It presses pause and saves your spot in the queue.

But after that, your muscles start quietly packing their bags.

Rule of thumb:

For every week off, expect about two weeks to rebuild.

Two weeks away? Four weeks to return to baseline.

Four weeks away? Let’s hope the photos are excellent — because your quads are starting from scratch.

And here’s the part I want you to remember before you go:

Your tan will fade faster than your strength returns.

That’s not a warning : it’s reassurance.

So go.

Walk the markets.

Ski the mountains.

Swim the sea.

Eat the bread.

Just know this: when you come back fired up, glowing, and ready to “go hard,” I’ll be here . Program in hand, ego safely parked, mobility prioritised, and confidence intact.

We’ll ease you back in.

We’ll rebuild what took time to earn.

And by the time the tan is completely gone?

Your strength will still be glowing.

Enjoy the trip.

We’ve got the return covered.