You have dreamed about it. Researched it. Read reviews. Dreamed about it some more. And then…it happens. You find yourself preparing emotionally and physically for a wellness retreat program wondering what you have gotten yourself into.
Imagine spending one week where health is the only priority – without distraction. Without excuses. One week at a program like the 1-week Reboot Program at Mountain Trek in Nelson, British Columbia – set above Kootenay Lake.
“Imagine a full week of award-winning service and beautiful scenery while achieving your health goals. Reclaim your fitness, reduce stress, reset metabolism or overcome a weight loss plateau – it’s guaranteed.” Image courtesy of Mountain Trek
Ever since college (ok maybe high school), I have ALWAYS wanted to stay at specialized health program. In fact, my mom always talked about the two of us retreating together one day in the future (though she cannot remember formally “promising to take me”). And now…on the brink of my 40th birthday – I am preparing to embark on my first wellness retreat at Mountain Trek. These experiences are certainly an investment – of time and financial resources – but as I try to overcome an era where I took my own health for granted, the idea of dedicated time to learn, to break through a plateau – physically and emotionally – feels like a new beginning.
When your wellness journey dream becomes real
While the reasons for my quest have changed and evolved over time –the desire to focus on my wellness without any distractions – while inspiring others to create their own journey to make health a priority – remain central to everything I believe in. The idea of starting each day with yoga, followed by a four-hour hike, seminars, fitness classes, massages and hot springs…for six days in a row… seems surreal compared to my work-from-home lifestyle where I sit too much at my desk, crossing items off daily to-do lists. A lifestyle that needs to change because the more I sit each day – the more long-term impact on my overall health.
The question is…how does one prepare for a wellness retreat?
The answer is…start early.
Regardless of the wellness retreat location or program, “newbie” attendees should take advantage of the expertise of program representatives to ask questions – big or small. I am a fan of having information to help me prepare…emotionally and physically especially when the stakes – which in this case are improved long-term health – are so high.
Truth be told – as excited as I am about the adventure – I would be lying if I said I was not nervous about my endurance and being the only one “huffing and puffing” up the trail. My brain knows that these worries are the exact reasons that make the experience so transformative…as my worries transform into indicators of progress from one day to another with each new hike or yoga session.
The program’s nutritional principles are shared with future trekkers in advance to maximize the potential experience since it takes “3 – 5 weeks for your metabolism to kick in and start burning fat when you change your eating habits.” Image courtesy of Mountain Trek
I loved that Mountain Trek started the education process long before my arrival at the alpine lodge. Guests not only receive recommendations of what clothes to pack, but also suggestions of how to prepare nutritionally. At Mountain Trek, learning focuses on eating enough of the proper foods at the right times in the day, combined with physical exercise – to foster long-term changes in health and weight.
Eight Keys to preparing for a wellness retreat or program:
- Eat at least two fruits per day
- Drink water (at least 8 glasses per day)
- Cut out caffeine sources before leaving
- Say no to alcohol
- Take 1 multivitamin per day
- Cook and flavor meals with less salt (and avoid salty foods)
- Reduce (and work towards eliminating) simple sugars and simple carbohydrates
- Move more each day (walking at least 30 minutes per day)
While guests might be inclined to “wait” for the stay to make changes in day-to-day routines, anticipating the program by taking small steps can only enhance the experience. I started making many of these changes (reducing sweets, alcohol and coffee) over the last few months, but for many – I imagine that this process could be a challenge in itself.
Guests attend programs like the Mountain Trek reboot (or 14-day “Renewal”) for different reasons – from losing weight to restoring energy and endurance. But these reasons do not exist in isolation, nor are they resolved completely during a short-term program. The goal is to create long-lasting changes – that start before, are deepened on-site and extend into the future.
For me…this trip signifies a beginning. By no stretch of the imagination do I presume that one week away will be like a magic eraser on my unwanted weight nor will it provide me with Super Woman-like energy. But my hope is that by soaking up the knowledge and experience, I can bring Mountain Trek home with me to facilitate long-term changes.
And yes…I may be the girl whose lack of hiking endurance causes some huffing and puffing on day one…but underneath any shortness of breath or burning feeling in my legs will be very broad smile and determination.
Come along with me on the adventure…Follow my journey starting May 24th on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with #MountainTrekWellness.
*I will be a guest of Mountain Trek during my stay. I am thrilled to not just satisfy a long-time bucket list travel dream but to learn tools to create more opportunities for everyday wellness – and hopefully to inspire others to create their own wellness journeys. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
Get an Early Start on Your Wellness Retreat appeared first on Live.Do.Grow by Elena Sonnino