Having traveled quite extensively this year, I can say without a doubt that it is on those trips where I am challenged to stick to my health and fitness goals. It is too easy to skip my workouts and justify evening desserts. As you can imagine, when I heard Leah Segedie from Mamavation was putting together a unique, health and fitness-focused vacation, I was intrigued.
Leah does a great job of explaining exactly what Fitcation is, but from my recent experience, I’ll say that it was a relaxing, enjoyable retreat where I spent some time learning about taking care of me…physically and emotionally and connecting with like-minded women. Each morning we worked out, which is a great way to start the day and a habit I wish I could continue (perhaps when our school routine is established next week since evening workouts just aren’t cutting it). It felt really good to get that workout in and out of the way so I could enjoy the rest of the day.
Rather than go for a run, which is definitely a quick and easy way to get in a workout, we tried three different types of workouts. Hoopnotica was fun and challenging but not impossible. It was Steve from OC Fit Body that really challenged me to go a little bit further each and every time with my workouts. He called his boot camp-style workout 50 Shades of Pain and he couldn’t have been further from the truth. I was sore for DAYS after that workout. Fortunately, Kia from Bodhi Bear guided us through a restorative yoga session on Sunday morning. I wish I could start every day with yoga that relaxing! By the way, she is an amazing photographer…go check out her site!
Since fitness was a major part of this event, Leah ensured we were well equipped. We tracked our steps with an Omron pedometer, protected our feet with New Balance shoes, and were well-supported thanks to Leading Lady Bras.
We also ate some amazing food (perfect for my inner foodie!). Our breakfasts were light and healthy which was perfectly balanced the amazing gourmet dinners we had (stay tuned for my review of Marrakesh which offers a unique Moroccan dining experience).
Because there were only 20 women included this year, I felt like I could get to know many of them personally. New friendships were formed and established ones were strengthened, particularly with my roommate Lori from The Well Connected Mom. Not only is she incredibly smart and tech-savvy, she is funny, compassionate, and genuine. We had so much in common and I honestly could not have chosen a better roommate.
Part of our experience included a day at Dole’s headquarters where we learned about some of their latest nutrition innovations, including two products I’m very excited about: Portobello Mushroom Powder (a fabulous source of Vitamin D) and Chia Seeds. I actually found it quite intriguing that Dole is moving in this direction and I’ll have an entire post highlighting what we learned, including some delicious recipes using the two new products.
On Saturday I played tourist in my hometown. We started in Venice Beach, then drove through Santa Monica, up to Hollywood and into Beverly Hills. I’ve never taken a tour of the stars’ homes so it was actually quite interesting to learn a bit of LA history.
Our home away from home was the glamorous and incredibly posh Four Seasons Westlake Village. I have a TON of photos and a full review coming which includes their innovative California Health and Longevity Institute.
Stay tuned for subsequent posts on our experience at Dole, our luxury stay at the Four Seasons, and our gourmet dining experience at Marrakesh.
To read about the other attendees’ experiences, just visit Mamavation, an online community of women supporting each other in their health and fitness goals.
No compensation was received for this post. Fitcation was sponsored by Dole, Four Seasons Westlake Village, the California Health and Longevity Institute, Sip the Good Life, New Balance, Subway and Leading Lady Bras. These sponsors provided lodging, meals, activities and product during the event.
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How on earth did you all get out of that pool to go DO stuff? I think I’d live in that pool morning and night the whole time. Mmmmm….water….Thanks for a great post!
It was amazing to meet you! Love the pictures you captured of the event.
You are so right about Steve giving the motivation to push a little harder in every workout. I often think about his 212º pep talk. Just one more degree! You can do it! 🙂
I am so glad you were able to join us and I LOVED the time (albeit limited) that we DID spend together… also? still having dreams about the Wicked Way Cafe 😉
Your pictures are beautiful and amazing. Thanks so much for sharing!