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You are here: Home / workouts / A Weekend at Canyon Ranch

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A Weekend at Canyon Ranch

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Canyon Ranch|weekend|travel|workouts|spa

I had the amazing opportunity to spend a long weekend at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Mass. My mom generously invited me to spend a few days alone with her so there was no passing up that. Canyon Ranch has long been considered a state of the art fitness and wellness resort offering fitness classes, lectures, spa services and wellness treatments.

Canyon Ranch with my mom

 

Canyon Ranch is literally a fitness enthusiast’s dream come true! There are classes, cooking demos and wellness lectures from 6 in the morning to 8 in the evening. My first challenge was planning my schedule so I could streamline my day and make sure I could try as many classes as possible. My mission was to try different workouts than I normally do. Here are some of my favorites. They really discourage cell phone use so I sort of had to sneak my photos in.

VIPR|athletic|workouts
VIPR

One of the first classes I took was called VIPR Athletic which uses the VIPR for loaded movement workouts. This was particularly challenging because of the unstable weight of the VIPR and the changing load. We did lots of lateral moves transferring the weight to each side and finished off with some one on one boxing style drills. I loved this class and would love to get my hands on one of the VIPRs.

VIPR|Canyon Ranch|workouts|boxing

I followed that by a cycle class and then my Aerial Hammock Yoga Clinic. I had been waiting to do this class for weeks and challenge some of my fears of letting go and trusting the hammock. We obviously only had time to hit the basics of aerial yoga but I was surprised that it wasn’t as hard as I expected but it was amazingly fun. We got the basics and quickly progressed to a few hangs. In case you missed my numerous IG posts here’s a snapshot.

aerial yoga|Canyon Ranch

Canyon Ranch|aerial yoga

I took a Boxing & TRX combo class that was a killer workout. They had us running up and down sets of stairs alternating with boxing drills and TRX lunges and squats. Quite the sweatfest!

boxing|TRX|Canyon Ranch

Another great workout and one that was new to me was the IndoRow rowing machine. This Shockwave class uses the IndoRow machine for short cardio bursts followed by strength training circuits. I absolutely loved it! I enjoyed trying to challenge myself to improve my rowing times each set that we did. I’d love to find a way to incorporate some rowing into my workouts at home.

Indo Row|Cnyon Ranch

My other favorite experience was the Kanga jumps boots. I almost chickened out and did not try them out because I thought I would hurt myself. After the first few minutes of finding my balance, I enjoyed running in them around the track and doing jumping jacks all without any impact at all. So glad I tried them out!

Kanga jumps|boots|Canyon Ranch

I also had the chance to take a cycle class, a foam rolling class and a fun African Hand Drum class with my mom. I promised her I wouldn’t post that picture.

As you can see, it was a pretty amazing weekend and the best part was having a chance to spend some alone time with my mom. Thanks to my mom for an amazing weekend!

Have you tried out any of these kinds of classes before? Which one looks most fun to you?

Linking up with Anne Marie, Nicole, Michelle & Angelina Marie

Wednesday|link up

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About Deborah Brooks

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. I love to keep up to date on new running & fitness trends. I definitely choose my running gear based on color and love to express my fashion sense while exercising.

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Comments

  1. Christine @ Two Runners Travel says

    03/30/2016 at 5:50 am

    Wow that sounds amazing! I’ve heard of Canyon Ranch but have never been. All of those classes sound so fun and unique. I always find that new classes challenge me too. Sounds like a great weekend with your Mom!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 7:56 am

      Love to try out new classes and yes it was great to spend time alone with my mom.

  2. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    03/30/2016 at 5:59 am

    Canyon Ranch seriously is my dream vacation!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 7:58 am

      You would love it! It’s really a fitness lover’s dream place

  3. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    03/30/2016 at 6:33 am

    Wow! That sounds amazing!! All of them look so fun! I could really use a weekend away there!!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 7:58 am

      It was so great to spend time alone with my mom and get to workout all day.

  4. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    03/30/2016 at 7:23 am

    I’ve never done any of these classes but it looks fun! Did you also have some amazing spa treatments? My sister and I spent the afternoon at the Canyon Ranch Spa in Las Vegas. It was amazing.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 7:59 am

      Yes I did have a great deep tissue massage and a facial. I ran out of space in my post! The Vegas one is a lot smaller but great too

  5. Annmarie says

    03/30/2016 at 7:39 am

    I have never heard of Canyon Ranch but I wanna go there right now! 🙂 Thanks for linking up and sharing <3

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:01 am

      Oh wow you would love love it!!

  6. [email protected] says

    03/30/2016 at 7:41 am

    Looks like a fun experience. My sister and I have been wanting to do that Ariel yoga.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:02 am

      The aerial yoga was so much fun and I am going to have to try that again!

  7. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    03/30/2016 at 7:54 am

    Still sad you were so close yet so far. 🙁

    Aerial yoga — how cool is that?

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:04 am

      I know! I never actually left the property at all no need to!

  8. Chaitali says

    03/30/2016 at 8:15 am

    Wow, this place sounds amazing! I’ve never heard of it before but I’m definitely going to go check out their website. I love aerial yoga and those boots look like a lot of fun.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:40 am

      It was an amazing splurge of a vacation!

  9. [email protected] says

    03/30/2016 at 8:36 am

    Looks so fun and amazing….. I haven’t tried any of those things…. I really want to try the aerial yoga…. I don’t really have any excuse for not doing it yet since there are studios here where I can do it…. I just need to make the time to do it.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:41 am

      Finding the time to do all that we want to do is quite a challenge sometimes! I definitely want to do it again

  10. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    03/30/2016 at 9:03 am

    What a fun thing to do with your Mom. I would love a fitness getaway like that.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 9:10 am

      I highly recommend it! We couldn’t do that many classes together but it was great to just be together

  11. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    03/30/2016 at 9:04 am

    Sounds like a great experience and I love the variety of classes that you were able to participate in. A mother-daughter weekend away sounds absolutely perfect, and when it involves fitness and healthy eating, even better!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 9:10 am

      Exactly! My perfect weekend indeed

  12. meljo @ a year in running shoes says

    03/30/2016 at 9:28 am

    You’d have a hard time getting me out of those kanga boots!! SO MUCH FUN!!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 1:34 pm

      They were a blast! I was scared to try them and then loved it

  13. Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says

    03/30/2016 at 9:40 am

    I’m so jealous! This looks like such an amazing, relaxing weekend!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 1:37 pm

      It was fabulous and really great to spend time with my mom

  14. Darlene says

    03/30/2016 at 9:50 am

    Sounds amazing. I’ve never done a spa weekend.

    I live in Albany so I was so close to where you were.

    LMK the next time you are nearby.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:21 pm

      You were very close! We flew into Hartford this time.

  15. Tricia@MissSippipiddlin says

    03/30/2016 at 10:22 am

    Oh wow they all look amazingly fun!!! What a neat place and your very lucky you have it close to you! I would just love something like this around me.
    How fun you got to do it with your mom too!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:23 pm

      It wasn’t close by we had to fly up but not too far and easy to do in a long weekend. Yes the best part was spending time with my mom alone

  16. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    03/30/2016 at 10:30 am

    What an awesome experience! And so many unique workouts! I hope I can get myself there for a little fitness retreat some day!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:25 pm

      You would absolutely love it! So much to do

  17. Michelle @ Movin' it with Michelle says

    03/30/2016 at 10:31 am

    Those classes look like a ton of fun! I’ve never taken any classes but would love to!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:26 pm

      They were great fun! I love taking new classes and seeing what is out there and it also keeps me from getting bored

  18. Sarah says

    03/30/2016 at 10:52 am

    I loved following along with you on Instagram, it looked like fun! I really hope to try Aerial Hammock Yoga someday. I haven’t seen it offered anywhere locally but will be checking.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:28 pm

      Oh I hope you have the chance to try it so much fun!

  19. Natalie says

    03/30/2016 at 12:06 pm

    What an amazing weekend with your Mom!! Mom/daughter weekends are the best! The aerial hammock yoga looks so awesome – I would love to try that! Rowing is such a great workout.
    I have heard so many great things about Canyon Ranch, so glad you had a wonderful time 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:29 pm

      It was a blast for sure! I can’t wait to try the yoga again

  20. Pam says

    03/30/2016 at 1:07 pm

    How fun was that to spend a weekend at a spa with your mom? I would love to try an aerial Yoga class. You look so happy in the photo!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:30 pm

      I was really happy because I thought I would be too scared to let go

  21. Anne says

    03/30/2016 at 2:28 pm

    That looks like so much fun! I’d love to try all those classes – especially aerial yoga, it looks incredibly!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 2:33 pm

      It was so much fun I can’t wait to try it again!

  22. Samantha @ What's Up, USANA? says

    03/30/2016 at 2:53 pm

    This looks so fun!! I would love to try an aerial yoga class!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:12 pm

      It was so much fun I can’t wait to do it again!

  23. Heather@hungryforbalance says

    03/30/2016 at 3:58 pm

    I’m so jealous!! Visiting Canyon Ranch is on my bucket list!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:12 pm

      It should be! I hope you have the chance to go sometime

  24. Rosey Rebecca says

    03/30/2016 at 4:07 pm

    I love fitness classes and all of these sound fabulous. I want to try aerial yoga so bad! There’s a studio in Asheville that just might have to pop into. So fun that you and your mom got to have a girls weekend at such a fun resort!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:16 pm

      I know it was such a great time to be alone with her

  25. dixya @ food,pleasure, and health says

    03/30/2016 at 5:04 pm

    one of my friend worked as a counselor in of these fitness retreat type place and she absolutely loved it. it really is fitness/healthy living persons dream come true..aerial yoga is something I’m absolutely looking forward to trying.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:16 pm

      Fitness lover’s dream for sure!

  26. Mary Beth Jackson says

    03/30/2016 at 5:32 pm

    What a weekend!!! I love the aerial yoga- that is a blast once you trust the silks! You had to be pooped when you got home (in a good way)! I hope your mom took advantage of some classes too! Try any of the cooking classes?

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:17 pm

      I was completely exhausted after doing 4 or 5 classes a day and starving 🙂 I didn’t have time for the cooking classes will have to go back

  27. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    03/30/2016 at 6:13 pm

    Wow these sound like really great workouts! I’d love to try aerial but I can barely handle yoga on solid ground! You look great in your photos – so cool that you and your mom can work out together 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:19 pm

      It was so cool to do the aerial and you totally could do it!

  28. GiGi says

    03/30/2016 at 7:04 pm

    I’ve heard of Canyon Ranch before… Looks like you had an intense yet awesome time 🙂

    I would be interested in taking a FOAM ROLLER class because I had this pilates instructor who would just have me LAY ON IT and it did literally ZERO for me… Yet then I am hearing people yelp in praise over the thing! LOL

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:19 pm

      Oh I love my foam roller and use it almost everyday. Don’t know what you are missing in a hurts so good kind of way 🙂

  29. Christina says

    03/30/2016 at 7:05 pm

    All of those classes seem so exotic! I’d give them a try for sure.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:20 pm

      They had a great mix of fun activities!

  30. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

    03/30/2016 at 7:22 pm

    I have wanted to go to Canyon Ranch for the longest time! So cool you got to go. How was the food?! 😉

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:21 pm

      Hope you get to go sometime it’s a fabulous experience! The food is good but I was definitely starving at every meal and ate it all

  31. Akaleistar says

    03/30/2016 at 8:01 pm

    Sounds like a great weekend! Ariel yoga is so fun, and I love your pictures 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:26 pm

      I am so glad that I tried it!

  32. Jenn says

    03/30/2016 at 8:04 pm

    That aerial yoga class looks amazing!!! I would love to try something like that!

    What a wonderful weekend. And how nice that you got to spend the weekend with your mom like that.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:37 pm

      That was the best part!

  33. Coco says

    03/30/2016 at 8:15 pm

    Wow, that is a TON of workouts in a weekend. Sounds like SO much fun! I haven’t really tried any of those. My arms were sore for 3 days after the rowing in OTF!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 8:38 pm

      The rowing was killer but lots of fun! It was a lot of working out in one weekend

  34. Autumn @AutumnPTW says

    03/30/2016 at 8:56 pm

    What an amazing trip! Looks like you had a great time with your mom. Thats the best part!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 9:20 pm

      Definitely the best part!

  35. Ilka says

    03/30/2016 at 9:13 pm

    I love that you got to do this with your Mom:) This place sounds like such an amazing resort for active people. I can totally see you had a great time! The pics are so fun, especially the one with the jump boots – :):) Loved reading it.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/30/2016 at 9:21 pm

      Oh the boots were an unexpected treat! A great place to visit

  36. Sharon says

    03/31/2016 at 1:13 am

    Sounds like an awesome weekend! Love that you got to try so many neat classes! The Aerial Hammock Yoga looks so fun! Love your pics!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/31/2016 at 11:06 am

      It was a blast I’d love to do it again

  37. jill conyers says

    03/31/2016 at 5:29 am

    I’ve heard nothing but great reviews of Canyon Ranch. I’ve never tried any of the classes but I would like to.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/31/2016 at 11:07 am

      You would absolutely love it! Hope you have the chance to check it out sometime

  38. Karen says

    03/31/2016 at 11:46 am

    The hammock yoga looks awesome 🙂
    I have never had a fitness weekend like that, it sounds wonderful!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/31/2016 at 9:33 pm

      It was a blast! You should try the hammock

  39. Sana says

    03/31/2016 at 12:35 pm

    So many amazing classes! What a lovely trip!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/31/2016 at 9:33 pm

      It really was!

  40. Mary Long says

    03/31/2016 at 3:16 pm

    This place sounds great! I always wanted to try aerial yoga. The jump boots look like a lot of fun too. What a nice getaway with your mom!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      03/31/2016 at 9:37 pm

      Such a great time!

  41. Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner says

    03/31/2016 at 4:20 pm

    So fun, and what a great experience!
    I’ve always wanted to try the Aerial Hammock. Of course I don’t do yoga, but I just think it would be fun to twist around in them and pretend to be an acrobat, LOL Yeah, I’m a dork, LOL
    But seriously, what a cool ranch!!

  42. Carmy says

    03/31/2016 at 9:43 pm

    Your yoga class looks like SO much fun! I want to try!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/01/2016 at 8:52 am

      It really was a great experience I can’t to try it again

  43. vicki says

    04/01/2016 at 10:26 am

    That sounds incredible! The Aerial Hammock Yoga class sounds interesting. What a nice treat for you and your mom.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/01/2016 at 3:53 pm

      It really was such a great time!

  44. Erica @ Erica Finds says

    04/01/2016 at 6:08 pm

    So glad you loved it! Did you enjoy the food? I loved healthy food prepared by someone else.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/01/2016 at 9:12 pm

      it was great truly. I was so hungry from exercising so much I ate everything 🙂

  45. Jess @hellotofit says

    04/03/2016 at 11:15 am

    I LOVE using the Vipr, and have done a couple of aerial yoga classes. I’d really be interested in trying a boxing and TRX class! Great combo.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/03/2016 at 4:41 pm

      It was a killer combo for sure!

  46. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    04/05/2016 at 10:31 pm

    Sounds fabulous! Those Kanga jump boots sound really fun, and a little scary! I bet you get used to them quickly, though.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/06/2016 at 7:36 am

      I was a little scared of the boots at first but yes you get used to them quickly and I didn’t want to take them off!

  47. Sandra Laflamme says

    04/08/2016 at 9:56 am

    Oh my goodness such fun! You looked great doing the Aerial yoga in your emerald city. I’d be curious to learn more about VIPR Athletics. Glad you had the chance to do this with your mom!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      04/08/2016 at 4:34 pm

      It was a great experience! I have not found the VIPR at any gyms around me.

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Hi, I’m Deborah

Successfully raising a husband & 2 young adults in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. NASM Certified Nutrition Coach & RRCA Run Coach. As a lifelong vegetarian/pescatarian I’ve always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 800 members. I’ve met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into.
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