The fall is the most beautiful time to visit The Berkshire Mountains. The colorful changing of the leaves on the trees looks like a patchwork quilt when seen from afar. Just two hours from Boston, you can experience apple picking, leaf-peeping and some of the most wonderful resorts and hotels in the area.
On a recent visit, we chose to stay at the Destination Wellness Resort called Canyon Ranch located in Lenox, Massachusetts, as we wanted to explore new approaches to health and wellness and to enjoy a healthy vacation with fitness classes, workshops and healthy cuisine. We wanted to reset and stay at a place to rest, relax and restore.
The most beneficial components of this resort was to bond with my family while indulging in outdoor activities, exercise classes and spa amenities. We were lucky enough to be at the resort when representatives from Tata Harper Skin Care were offering free facials to better understand their non-toxic and natural skincare products. Lovely!
I’d like to share with you one important reminder or new idea that I took away from each class during my experience:
Shred Fitness Class: While walking on a treadmill, increase the incline to 15 for a great gluteus Maximus workout! For extra benefits, add high-intensity interval training into your workout.
Hiking: Walk silently (That means no talking! Which is SO hard for me. Ha!) for 20 minutes and experience the beauty that lays before you one step at a time. Look up and breathe in the beauty.
Socrates & The Art of Conversation Workshop: Talk face-to-face with your family and friends instead of texting or Snap-chatting. Stimulate your curiosity by asking questions, as this is the best way to learn and to develop good conversations. Indulge in what you don't know and Just Ask! In relationships, focus on listening, being more aware of how you communicate, and sense how you can be more deliberate in your speech.
Meditation: With your eyes closed, say to yourself while meditating, “breathe in and breathe out” to help you focus and meditate easier. Meditation does not have to be a long drawn out process. Even meditating for just a few minutes will help you calm your mind.
Stretching: For just 15-20 minutes a day, swing your arms from side to side and do all types of stretching (while standing) to warm up your entire body.
Fitness For Your Feet®: Each morning, step on these bumpy foot therapy devices called Sole Energizers™, which can improve flexibility. Because, if your feet hurt, everything will hurt. I bought some!
Cardio Tennis: Footwork is key to playing tennis well!
Abs On The Ball: This was a great workout for your core. If you have a strong core, you’ll have minimal back issues! Use physioballs (aka stability balls) at your gym and roll your body right on top of them. Don't fall over though - ha!
The Sacred Path of the Labyrinth: Take a spiritual walk around a curved pathway and meditate. Remember to breathe in and breathe out. Savor the moment.
Yoga: Whether it’s flow or restorative, enjoy some deep relaxation in yoga poses. This form of meditation not only calms your mind, it can make you smarter and happier.
The Art of Mindfulness Workshop: Becoming aware is empowering. Stop yourself every once in a while and ask, “How am I feeling?” Living in the present can enhance our lives by enjoying the moment. Come back to your self when you’re feeling frazzled and notice, “what is.”
Massage Therapy: Take care of yourself. Indulge in a much-needed massage or spa treatment. Only you can make yourself truly happy.
Bike Riding: Riding along the beautiful Berkshire roads was an uplifting experience, albeit freezing! Note to self: wear gloves during brisk rides!
The Science of Weight Loss Workshop: I learned about the 5:2 diet, which does not suppress the metabolism and explains that semi-fasting can be healthy for losing weight. Always exercise, eat more fiber and don’t eat late at night! I will be sharing some new recipes soon, which will help with this type of diet.
Nia Cardio-Dance: This dance class was a hoot! I loved expressing myself by floating around the room and adding my expressions to the music. I’m definitely going to explore more of these classes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our visit to Canyon Ranch in the beautiful Berkshires gave us the reset our family needed to help us maintain an even happier and healthier life. If you’d like help planning your own reset trip, Just Ask me, your adventure stylist.
Namaste,
P.S. Hot Boston Restaurant Alert: Don’t miss Townsman. They should have a Michelin star!
