Each day starts with a challenging 7am walk to wake up the metabolism and finishes with a meditation class. One need never stop moving in between. But attendance at classes and participation in activities is voluntary. I?m a veteran of fitness holidays, most of which require a high degree of physical suffering, inedible food and no alcohol. I?ve been barked at by ex-military types while yomping over rain-soaked moorland. I?ve been hauled out of a dormitory bunk bed at 5am by former PE teachers to run around a freezing barn doing star jumps. I?ve done 'luxury? boot camps, and 'gourmet? boot camps. Some worked, some didn?t; some left me hobbling in agony. What I hadn?t experienced was a boot camp for grownups, a place where no one bullies or even raises their voice; where how much or how little you do is up to you. Le Sport?s version of Butlins? Red Coats are the Bodyguards, a bunch of chilled out fitness specialists, on hand to advise and teach when needed but who back off if your preference one day is for the beach, or a hammock in the garden. (And yes, I was 'guilty? of some downtime during my stay but it is surprising how disciplined one is when no one is MAKING you do anything.)
I had two goals: to make inroads into the rolls of fat around my middle, and resurrect my stalled training for my first marathon later this year. Felix, a former Mr Caribbean, who oversees the gym was my mentor - or miracle worker. One excess roll of adipose disappeared immediately when he corrected my posture ('If you want to look old and fat, then slump.?) A schedule was devised with two or three gym sessions a day (45 minutes intense aerobic activity on treadmill, cross-trainer and bike followed by work with free weights) and then whatever classes I fancied. I dabbled in a few (spinning, Bodystretch, Bodyburn, yoga, aqua fitness, pilates) before settling on stretching and core strength classes.
When it came to diet, I expected deprivation. The breakfast menu recommended low-carb, high fibre, GI or cholesterol-busting breakfasts from the buffet, but a full English - or at least the Caribbean version - was available, too. And I discovered that if one stops agonising over what to eat, healthy choices come naturally. I snacked on walnuts and dried apricots or vitamin-rich juices during the day, ate salad for lunch and drank wanter constantly. In the evening, I dined on conservative helpings of chicken, fish, or seafood with a heap of vegetables at one of the three hotel restaurants. And instead of dessert I rejoiced in a guilt-free glass of red wine.
Did it work? I returned home half a stone lighter, definitely firmer, and with the energy and motivation to continue exercising back home. The bonus was the sense of mental well-being. Will it last? I?m hoping that my 'spring clean? will be a spring board to a healthier and happier summer, so bring on the marathon!
Kuoni (01306 747008/www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights at The BodyHoliday LeSPORT (www.thebodyholiday.com) in a luxury room on an all-inclusive basis, including flights with Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and transfers in resort. Prices for 2011 from �1653 per person based on two sharing.
Spring Holiday Fitness
Camp Biche
Improve health and fitness whilst enjoying fine wines and the cuisine of south-west France.
www.campbiche.com/campbiche@gmail.com
Fit Farms
Fit Farms guarantee weight loss through exercise and nutrition with sites on Exmoor and in the Peak District
www.fitfarms.co.uk/0800 634 3070
The Body Holiday
This sanctuary on St Lucia says 'Give us your body for a week and we?ll give you back your mind??
In:Spa
Detox, lose weight and improve fitness in beautiful locations throughout Europe and North Africa.
www.inspa-retreats.com/0208 968 0501
See www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/08455441936 for special offers for April in Cyprus, Mauritius and the Maldives
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