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 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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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!
Christine @ Two Runners Travel recently posted…Some things to tell you
Love to try out new classes and yes it was great to spend time alone with my mom.
Canyon Ranch seriously is my dream vacation!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Muscle Activation Technique For Endurance Athletes
You would love it! It’s really a fitness lover’s dream place
Wow! That sounds amazing!! All of them look so fun! I could really use a weekend away there!!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Spring has sprung with PrAna style
It was so great to spend time alone with my mom and get to workout all day.
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.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Adventurous Smoothies with Green Blender
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
I have never heard of Canyon Ranch but I wanna go there right now! 🙂 Thanks for linking up and sharing <3
Annmarie recently posted…Ultimate Sandbag Upper Body Exercises to Improve Running Form
Oh wow you would love love it!!
Looks like a fun experience. My sister and I have been wanting to do that Ariel yoga.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…Running Routes that produce Results
The aerial yoga was so much fun and I am going to have to try that again!
Still sad you were so close yet so far. 🙁
Aerial yoga — how cool is that?
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Is my life adventurous?
I know! I never actually left the property at all no need to!
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.
Chaitali recently posted…Varidesk Standing Desks
It was an amazing splurge of a vacation!
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.
Paria@momontherunsanity.com recently posted…New York State Of Mind
Finding the time to do all that we want to do is quite a challenge sometimes! I definitely want to do it again
What a fun thing to do with your Mom. I would love a fitness getaway like that.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Sports Supplement Review: Beta-Alanine
I highly recommend it! We couldn’t do that many classes together but it was great to just be together
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!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Wine and Dine, Take 2
Exactly! My perfect weekend indeed
You’d have a hard time getting me out of those kanga boots!! SO MUCH FUN!!
meljo @ a year in running shoes recently posted…it’s official.
They were a blast! I was scared to try them and then loved it
I’m so jealous! This looks like such an amazing, relaxing weekend!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple recently posted…Toasted Rosemary Walnuts
It was fabulous and really great to spend time with my mom
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.
Darlene recently posted…Wednesday Word – Adventurous
You were very close! We flew into Hartford this time.
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!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…What an Adventure
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
What an awesome experience! And so many unique workouts! I hope I can get myself there for a little fitness retreat some day!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The Busy Beeâs Ultimate Guide To Staying Healthy
You would absolutely love it! So much to do
Those classes look like a ton of fun! I’ve never taken any classes but would love to!
They were great fun! I love taking new classes and seeing what is out there and it also keeps me from getting bored
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.
Sarah recently posted…Cacao Hummus Berry Coconut Wraps
Oh I hope you have the chance to try it so much fun!
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 🙂
Natalie recently posted…Things People Say While I am Running.
It was a blast for sure! I can’t wait to try the yoga again
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!
Pam recently posted…Some things to tell you
I was really happy because I thought I would be too scared to let go
That looks like so much fun! I’d love to try all those classes – especially aerial yoga, it looks incredibly!
Anne recently posted…What You Might Not Know About Me
It was so much fun I can’t wait to try it again!
This looks so fun!! I would love to try an aerial yoga class!
It was so much fun I can’t wait to do it again!
I’m so jealous!! Visiting Canyon Ranch is on my bucket list!
Heather@hungryforbalance recently posted…WIAW: Pizza is always a good idea
It should be! I hope you have the chance to go sometime
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!
Rosey Rebecca recently posted…Blogger Meet-up at Twisted Laurel in Downtown Asheville
I know it was such a great time to be alone with her
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.
dixya @ food,pleasure, and health recently posted…Baked Tofu Fries
Fitness lover’s dream for sure!
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?
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Be Adventurous – The Incredible Virtual Run!
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
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 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Goals for the 2016 Cherry Blossom Run
It was so cool to do the aerial and you totally could do it!
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
GiGi recently posted…Avocados Get Brownie Points
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 🙂
All of those classes seem so exotic! I’d give them a try for sure.
Christina recently posted…Spicy Black Bean Balls with Chipotle Pasta Sauce
They had a great mix of fun activities!
I have wanted to go to Canyon Ranch for the longest time! So cool you got to go. How was the food?! 😉
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
Sounds like a great weekend! Ariel yoga is so fun, and I love your pictures 🙂
Akaleistar recently posted…March Empties: Bath Soak, Hand Cream & More!
I am so glad that I tried it!
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.
Jenn recently posted…race report: princess half marathon {2.21.2016}
That was the best part!
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!
The rowing was killer but lots of fun! It was a lot of working out in one weekend
What an amazing trip! Looks like you had a great time with your mom. Thats the best part!
Autumn @AutumnPTW recently posted…20 Minute Blogiversary HIIT Workout
Definitely the best part!
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.
Ilka recently posted…Israeli Couscous Salad
Oh the boots were an unexpected treat! A great place to visit
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!
Sharon recently posted…Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Smoothie Review
It was a blast I’d love to do it again
I’ve heard nothing but great reviews of Canyon Ranch. I’ve never tried any of the classes but I would like to.
You would absolutely love it! Hope you have the chance to check it out sometime
The hammock yoga looks awesome 🙂
I have never had a fitness weekend like that, it sounds wonderful!
It was a blast! You should try the hammock
So many amazing classes! What a lovely trip!
Sana recently posted…Birthday Giveaway!
It really was!
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!
Mary Long recently posted…My Happiness Project – March
Such a great time!
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!!
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…10 Tips for Running a Spring Race in Bad Weather
Your yoga class looks like SO much fun! I want to try!
Carmy recently posted…5 Fitness Hacks That Make Working Out a Priority
It really was a great experience I can’t to try it again
That sounds incredible! The Aerial Hammock Yoga class sounds interesting. What a nice treat for you and your mom.
vicki recently posted…Dream Sponsorship
It really was such a great time!
So glad you loved it! Did you enjoy the food? I loved healthy food prepared by someone else.
Erica @ Erica Finds recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Things to Look Out for Today
it was great truly. I was so hungry from exercising so much I ate everything 🙂
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.
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…Avocado Hummus With Boursin Cheese
It was a killer combo for sure!
Sounds fabulous! Those Kanga jump boots sound really fun, and a little scary! I bet you get used to them quickly, though.
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Fan Favorite: My Dad, The Brooklyn Dodger
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!
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!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Wellness Discussion: Low Blood Sugar and migraines
It was a great experience! I have not found the VIPR at any gyms around me.