Happy Friday! In case you missed my numerous social media posts this week, I was lucky enough to be treated by my mom to a fabulous few days at Canyon Ranch in The Berkshires. We arrived for our stay right as storm Stella was about to hit. Hey if you have to be snowed in somewhere this is the place to be. My mom, my daughter and I arrived on Sunday evening for our second annual visit.
Canyon Ranch is healthy lifestyle resort with an emphasis on fitness and nutrition. They offer tons of classes each day for all fitness levels along with delicious healthy meals. In addition to regular fitness classes you might find at your gym (cycling, yoga), Canyon Ranch has lots of unique blends of fitness classes. I wanted to try as many new to me activities that I could pack into a few days. Here are 5 of my favorite classes from this week.
VIPR
An interval based class using the VIPR for a total body strength and cardio workout. The VIPR is a hollow weighted bar that you can grab in various spots and use for movement and load combinations. This was a tough and very fun workout. I may need to get one of these to use at home. My daughter and I did this class together and had the chance to do a little sparring at the end.
Aerial Yoga
This was one of my most favorite activities! I had the chance to try it twice and by the second day I was feeling much more confident that I would not fall on my head. Once I was able to relax, it was so peaceful. I would love to find somewhere at home to to do it again soon.
Rip N Row
This class was a high intensity workout combining the Indo Row and TRX Rip trainer. I loved the rowing intervals and my heart rate was through the roof (in a good way). We alternated sets on the rower with sets on the TRX Rip Trainer which is a bar attached to a bungee cord. I do not ever use the rowing machine at home and loved the intensity of the intervals.
Berkshire Beat
This was so much more fun than I expected! It was great that all 3 of us could take this class together. Cardio moves combined with drumming on the stability balls provided a great full body workout that was a blast.
Fencing
I was really on the fence about trying this but so glad that I did! (Ha see what I did there? LOL). I was surprised by how much glute work was involved in the basic moves. I don’t know when else I would ever try this out but it was really great fun. It’s a little disorienting with the mask at first and there is kind of a goofy outfit.
We did 5 or 6 classes a day and probably the most sore I’ve ever been after a vacation. Best place to be snowed in!
As promised, I have another great giveaway today to celebrate my 3 years of blogging. Balega socks have been my go to favorite socks for years now. Love the fit, the quality and all of the great colors. Balega has generously offered to raffle off a 3 pack of their amazing socks. I have not been compensated in any way for this just sharing the love.
Tell me-Do you like an active vacation or prefer to veg out and relax?
Linking up with
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Looks like a fun trip! Sounds like the perfect place to be snowed in. Its always fun to get to try new workouts!
Deborah Brooks says
I love trying new workouts!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
I totally want to try fencing! That would be so cool! What a fantastic trip, and the perfect week to escape!
Deborah Brooks says
Fencing was really fun I am glad I gave it a try. Perfect week to escape for sure
Mary Beth Jackson says
I like my vacations to be a combination of both activity and relaxing! 🙂 This looks like such a beautiful resort and definitely not a bad place to be snowed in !
Deborah Brooks says
Not bad at all! I may need a vacation from my vacation though
Kimberly says
I absolutely love that you take so many different types of workout classes. I would love to try that VIPR class!
Deborah Brooks says
The vipr was my favorite I loved it!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I like to be active, but I also like to relax! 5 or 6 classes is cray-cray. I really wish I could afford a vacation there. I know I’d love it. I’d say for my 60th, but then what would my husband do? And I’m not sure we’ll still be living here then!
Deborah Brooks says
There were some men there for sure. They seemed to go to the lectures and such. They also have outdoor hikes and things if he is into that at all. It would be a great birthday trip
Coco says
Sounds like a great place for a girlfriend getaway (hint, hint). As for socks, my sock drawer overfloweth, but I’m still always looking for more!
Deborah Brooks says
Perfect place for a girlfriends getaway! You can never have too many socks 🙂
Laura bowers says
Wow, what an amazing trip! All that and fencing??? The perfect getaway! Glad you ladies had a blast. 😃
Deborah Brooks says
We really did!
Deborah Brooks says
FYI my comment does not seem to be going through on your site maybe in your spam
Debbie says
First off, no, you can never have too many socks. Though I have a different drawer for my non-running socks (and they’re both full!).
I’ve been following along with your Canyon Ranch adventure. It looks like so much fun! I love all they types of classes you tried, especially the aerial yoga. I’d like to learn more moves with the VIPR. One of my co-workers did a little workshop a couple years ago after we first go them, but I haven’t used them enough to feel comfortable. They’re a great tool.
Deborah Brooks says
The VIPR was my favorite it was really challenging and had me doing a ton of lateral moves that I don’t normally do.
ACKTIVE LIFE says
I love that photo of you doing aerial yoga…It’s gorgeous! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Oh thanks it was really fun to have the chance to do it again
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
How much fun!!! You three are so pretty!! What amazing bonding time. I like both active and relaxed vaca…. basically I”m an equal opportunity vacation lover.
Deborah Brooks says
OH thanks! I might need a vacation from my vacation I am exhausted!
Marcia says
Looks like such a fun weekend! Having 3 generations participate makes it even better. One cannot have too many socks….if they are Balega socks!
Deborah Brooks says
Definitely agree on both!
[email protected] says
Have been following the fun on your insta…. my daughter (currently 10) has zero interest in any fitness activity with me, but I’m sure that will change in a few years…. I definitely prefer an active vacation… active during day, wine and dine at night.
Deborah Brooks says
My daughter wanted nothing to do with it either until recently-I am sure yours will come around too!
Alaina @ The Simple Peach says
What fun! I always hear such great things about Canyon Ranch.
Deborah Brooks says
Definitely a great experience for all of us
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
No, you can never have too many socks LOL! What a great giveaway!
I love that you, your mother, and your daughter work out together. I am so envious that you were away on this retreat while the weather has been so awful! I still haven’t tried aerial yoga…it looks scary but fun. And wow, fencing, too cool!
Deborah Brooks says
It was the best week to be away from DC for sure!
steph says
My seven-year-old and I are now in the same size shoe/sock…so nope!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh wow! You better hide yours
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
It looks like you all had a blast!!! I want to do a trip there with my Mom 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
I think you all would love it! There is one in Tuscon too which I guess is a lot closer to you now
Lesley says
I’d love to try fencing. I know the basic moves put emphasis on glutes and quads. My favorite movie is the Princess Bride, and I love the sword fights.
Deborah Brooks says
Oh yes my glutes are killing today
Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says
Nope, you can never have too many running socks!
I like a vacation that allows both activity and relaxation (but not to much relaxing..lol).
I have always wanted to do Ariel yoga!!!!
Deborah Brooks says
I hope you have the chance to give it a try!
Lindsey @ livinglovingrunner says
I would love an active vacation – I would be a little bored and “what do we do now?” attitude without something planned… 🙂 This looks like a lot of fun!
Deborah Brooks says
I like to have activities too especially this time of year when I feel stuck inside
Jessica @ I Am Teacher Fit says
What a blast!! Your mom is obviously the coolest to do that class with y’all. Love it! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
She is pretty great 🙂
Mary Long says
I would love to visit a place like this! I think it is extra special that you get to share it with your mom and daughter.
Deborah Brooks says
That made it the best indeed 🙂
Rachel says
Your trip looked like so much fun! What a special way to spend time with the three generations. <3
Deborah Brooks says
I am very lucky to have that opportunity
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
I’ve always wanted to go to Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires since I’m not too far from it! Those classes sound amazing, especially the aerial yoga 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Deborah Brooks says
Hope you have a chance to check it out sometime it’s fabulous
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
i would prefer to relax 80% of the time but would love activities in between to keep things fun. this sounds like a fantastic resort.
Deborah Brooks says
It is the perfect mix because you can do as much or as little as you wish
MCM Mama Runs says
All of my vacations involve races LOL.
Sounds like you had a fabulous time. I can’t wait until my kids are old enough that I can run off for a weekend with my mom! (Since I have boys, I will not be taking them.)
Deborah Brooks says
Well yes it’s a lot easier now that my kids are more self sufficient
Hannah says
I usually prefer active vacations – I mean, I can relax just as well at home, right? (Of course, “can” and “do” aren’t quite the same….)
Deborah Brooks says
Definitely!!
abbey sharp says
I love your black tie (lace) up leggings in the first photo!! And aerial yoga looks like so much fun, I totally need to try it
Deborah Brooks says
Those are my daughter’s she loves them and yes aerial yoga was fabulous
Teresa says
This looks like so much fun! I always prefer an active vacation over a relaxing one. I get bored after a day of just “chillin”. You look fierce in the fencing outfit and your Mom and daughter are just precious!
Deborah Brooks says
I get really bored too if I am not doing something
Carmy says
That is such an amazing week! Wish I was there – working out for fun all week is right up my alley
Deborah Brooks says
You would love it for sure
Jessica @Nutritioulicious says
Looks like you had a blast! What a fun trip!
Deborah Brooks says
We sure did thanks!
Mary @ Fit and Fed says
Up until lately I’ve always preferred a very active vacation. But I’ve learned that a vacation where you just stay put can be nice, too (especially for a couple). I’m so jealous that you got to go to Canyon Ranch! Such a cool mix of classes and I’ll bet the food was great, too!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a great mix of classes and relaxing and family time
Elaine @myRUNexperiment says
This is the best place to get snowed in! I would love to stay at a place where you can try new fitness classes. I’d like to try aerial yoga. I think there’s a studio 30-45min north of where I live.
That’s wonderful you, your mom and daughter spent quality time together.
Deborah Brooks says
Being with them was the best part!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I saw all your IG post and was green with envy! What a fun getaway!
Deborah Brooks says
You would love it there 🙂
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
This sounds so awesome! I think it’s great that you take an active vacation like this with your daughter & Mom, that’s right up my alley!!
Deborah Brooks says
I love that I have that opportunity
Emily | EmPowered Nutrition says
Looks like an awesome place to be snowed in! Better than my tiny apartment :p Finally ventured out into the world again today!
Deborah Brooks says
Definitely better than being stuck at home
Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes says
Usually I prefer to veg out on vacation. Although, I usually get bored and end up throwing in something active! Your post reminded me that I really want to try aerial yoga!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s a blast hope you have the chance to try it
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
I’ve been so looking forward to this recap! It sounds like you had a wonderful time, and how cool to share this experience with your mom and daughter! Aerial yoga sounds fun, but like you, I think it would take me a little while to relax and have confidence that I wouldn’t fall on my head.
I have a TRX Rip Trainer, but rarely use it. In fact, it’s currently in a box in my storage room. I bought it after taking my TRX Suspension trainer’s class, hoping that I would soon take a class to teach using the Rip Trainer, but never did… I need to get it out and hit up some YouTube videos. Thanks for the reminder!
Deborah Brooks says
I have mixed feeling on the rip trainer would love to hear your thoughts. I think it’s hard to get the right form down
Esther says
That looks like an amazing trip!! I def need to check out Canyon Ranch (or somewhere similar) asap!
I so want to try aerial yoga but it terrifies me too!
Thanks for sharing your fun trip!
Deborah Brooks says
I was nervous at first but you really can’t fall off of it too easily. hope you have a chance to try it sometime
Akaleistar says
So many fun activities! I’ve tried aerial yoga and fencing before and would love to do them again sometime. And, no, you can never have too many socks 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
It’s always fun to mix it up isn’t it?!
Lynn says
Wow, you’re so lucky! And that’s awesome 3 generations of ladies got to spend such a good time together.
xo, Lynn N.
http://emmaandrose.com
Pinterest/Twitter: @emmaandrose
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Deborah Brooks says
I am very lucky indeed!
Kimberly Hatting says
Oh, I do LOVE socks…especially pretty ones not made of cotton 😉
Deborah Brooks says
Yes me too! I’ve been a fan of Balega’s for a long time
Kristy from Southern In Law says
I have a girlfriend with two girls who are both champion fencers and I’m always so intrigued as it seems like such a “posh” sport, haha.
It sounds like you had the most amazing time – and did so many cool things! I’d love to try a Berkshire Beat class!
Deborah Brooks says
Wow both are fencers so cool! Yes we did have a great time doing lots of new things
Anna says
Seems like you’ve had an awesome week at the ranch! The workouts look exciting and relaxing at the same time. I’d love try a few of those class sometimes.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes that’s exactly how I would characterize the classes
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Sounds like a fun three generation trip. I love being able to combine time away with loved ones and staying active.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes exactly the perfect combo
Jeffrey says
I prefer an active vacation with hiking, exploring and even running. As a runner, I can never have too many socks, its almost a compulsion. Similar to not having enough shoes!
Deborah Brooks says
Totally agree with you!
Farrah says
I’m definitely in the “never can have too many socks” camp! 😛 That sounds like a really fun trip! I’ve never tried fencing before!
Deborah Brooks says
I don’t think I would do it all the time but it was sure fun to try it
Wehaf says
I believe it is technically possible to have too many socks, but I have never seen it happen.
Deborah Brooks says
completely agree!
Tricia@misssippipiddlin says
I remember when you went here last year. Looks even more amazing. What memories you are making with your mom and daughter. These are my favorite running socks too and no you can’t have too many.
Deborah Brooks says
It was even more fun this year for sure! I am so lucky that we have 3 generations together
Toni says
Looks like an absolute amazing trip! How nice to have a family girls trip!
Deborah Brooks says
Family girls trips are the best! I am very lucky
Barrie says
I love the idea of the ladies having some time every year! I may have to start a tradition like this!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s a good one!
Madhuri says
The trip looks so much fun! I have never taken a trip that involved anything other than eating and relaxing. Would be nice to switch it up for a change and go active.
Deborah Brooks says
It’s definitely fun to switch it up!
Nik says
Thanks I love socks but always lose them!
Deborah Brooks says
Cannot have too many!
Vera K says
No you cannot ever have too many socks.
Deborah Brooks says
I completely agree!
ken c says
No you can never have too many, unless you count half pairs?
Deborah Brooks says
ha ha yes!
Tricia Vaughn says
Oh thank you so much I love these socks! I will get lots of use out of them too!
Sending you my info now!
Thanks Deborah!
Deborah Brooks says
Perfect hope you enjoy them