AFTER its hugely successful Change4Life initiative aimed at parents and children, the NHS is this year targeting adults with Get Up And Get Fit! But where to start and how? One answer is to take a short break focused on exercise, guided by qualified instructors. The resulting change is actually better than a rest.

Walking in Ireland
Most  of us think that walking is just putting one foot in front of the other. Joseph Quinn disagrees. The former Australian army captain runs hill-walking courses in the Wicklow mountains outside Dublin. There are “how to walk” lessons, as well as safety and navigation; then it’s off for a 90-minute “assessment” ramble.

After a picnic lunch, the first day ends with a four-hour hike; a great excuse for a Guinness and a three-course supper.

Next day you are out for five hours in what is known as the Garden of Ireland. For gear, all you need is proper boots and jacket, a map and a compass.

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Walkabout Wicklow (dialling from UK 0035 386 792 9579/www.walkaboutwicklow.com) offers a two-night Glencree Valley Weekend (from March 19-21) from £194pp, full board. Aer Lingus (0871 718 5000/www.aerlingus.com) offers return flights from UK airports from £95.

Dancing in Britain
Hot on the glittering heels of Strictly Come Dancing, Warner Leisure Hotels is offering dancing breaks.
Professional instructors cater for beginners as well as the proficient. In two 45-minute sessions you can work on the waltz, jazz up your jive or add flourish to your cha-cha-cha. 

In the evening show off your new moves to the sound of big band music. The highlight is watching Strictly stars, such as Lilia and Darren, strut their stuff but the emphasis is on taking part, so absolute beginners do not feel awkward. 

Warner Leisure Hotels (0800 138 2633/www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk) offers a three-night dancing break at Littlecote House in Berkshire (from March 26-29) from £339pp (two sharing), half board. There are other participating hotels in North Yorkshire, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire and Somerset.

Swimming in Cornwall
Double-Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington says swimming is a great way to stay fit. But for those who fear the water, or can’t swim, there is a learn-to-swim break in Cornwall.

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In the warmth of an indoor hotel pool, certified coach Helen Massy gives private, one-on-one lessons to help non-swimmers relax and gain confidence.

After four 40-minute sessions, all Helen’s pupils have gained ASA 10m certificates. Even those petrified of water learn to swim and go home invigorated. The country house hotel also has a golf course and tennis courts.

Lostwithiel Golf & Country Club (01208 873550/www.golf-hotel.co.uk) offers four-night stays from £220pp (two sharing), B&B.

Boot Camp in the Peak District
Women feel more comfortable on single-sex fitness programmes, so kick start your campaign on a women-only boot camp in the great outdoors.

Known for its week-long courses, The Camp now offers a two-night “taster” for women, based in a Victorian mansion in the Peak District and offering participants abseiling, caving and rock climbing.
And while instructors may be ex-military, you are not on rations at this boot camp; evenings bring wine and a hearty dinner, with not a calorie counter in sight.

The Camp (0800 335 7672/www.thecamp.co.uk) offers a Fitness Adventure Weekend on March 26-28 from £450pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes activities, full liability insurance, instruction and transfers from Chesterfield or Buxton railway stations.  

Cycling in France
British cycling champions Chris Hoy and Mark Cavendish have inspired us to get on our bikes so cycling holidays are growing in popularity and there’s nowhere prettier for pedalling than France’s (mainly flat) Loire Valley.

On an Inntravel holiday, “Monsieur Bike” sets you up with the right bicycle, then off you go, combining exercise with sightseeing: Château d’Ussé, the home of Sleeping Beauty; the elegant gardens at Villandry and Fontevraud Abbey, where Richard the Lionheart is buried.

The shortest ride is 11 miles, the longest 28 and each evening the reward is a fine dinner in a small, comfy hotel.

Inntravel (01653 617001/www.inntravel.co.uk) offers a six-night Châteaux of the Loire trip from £842pp (two sharing), half board. Price includes bicycle rental, maps, luggage transfer and return Eurostar travel from London to Tours via Paris.