Learn more about the program, vacation and spa retreat locations across the world. Check the updates, see the facilities and prepare yourself for your visit.

Posts

Q&A with Client Phil Lanni

/in /by
Phil Lanni_group in Peru

The group on the trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, last Spring. Phil Lanni is the second from left.

Welcome to the second installment of our Q&A series, which features guests who have visited Mountain Trek. Each person came to our fitness retreat for their own reasons and they all had different experiences. Last time we spoke with Debra Fordham, who’s visit to Mountain Trek last year was the catalyst for a 70-pound weight loss. In this piece we speak with Philip Lanni, a business owner living near Toronto, Ontario, who is “three-quarters retired” he says. He’s visited Mountain Trek every year since 2002 and he’s also joined us on a few of our global adventures including the hike to Everest base camp and this year’s trek to Macchu Piccu. Phil makes the journey to Mountain Trek every year because, “I like the adrenaline of pushing myself.” Pretty inspiring for a man who’s celebrating his 65th birthday this year. Here is Phil’s story.

Hi Phil. Thank you so much for agreeing to speak with us. Firstly, how did you find out about Mountain Trek?

On the internet. I’d done a lot of hiking before in the States but I wanted to find something in Canada. That was in 2002. And I’ve been coming back every year since. I brought my wife a few times and my kids. I also brought along my brother and my brother-in-law because they were both experiencing some health issues at the time. They all got something out of their visit.

Tell us about your expectations?

When I was 35, I smoked 70 cigarettes a day and was around 275 pounds. I had three small kids then and I knew I had to make some changes. I started eating better, walking and doing more healthy things and eventually got down to 230 pounds on my own. That was 30 years ago and since then I’ve attended many different resorts but they’re not in the same league as Mountain Trek in terms of what you get for you money…it may be a bit more expensive than other retreats but you really do get what you pay for.

What are some of the highlights of your time at Mountain Trek?

I like the adrenaline of pushing myself to the point where I feel I just can’t go any further – and then I do. I love that I’m competing against myself rather than anyone else. I find that really invigorating. To be able to do that in the kind of scenery Mountain Trek is located in, well, you just can’t replace it. Another highlight is the staff. They’re so great because they live the life. They walk the talk, which makes the program a lot easier to accept because they’re living proof that it works. And finally, I never did yoga before and Mountain Trek got me into it, which is great. I find as you get older, yoga definitely helps you to be more flexible.

What’s a “lowlight” from your experiences at Mountain Trek?

I once sprained my foot and wasn’t able to participate in the rest of the hikes that week. But even though I couldn’t go hiking I still managed to lose seven pounds just eating the food!

Phil Lanni 2_ group in Peru

Phil and the crew in Peru

For me Mountain Trek is just a continuation of my routine. I do two hours of exercise a day to stay healthy. Then, I’ll go to the lodge and maybe I’ll lose five or six pounds (the same I lose every time) but it’s just part of my routine now. I probably eat a little more when I come home because of going out to restaurants and things.

So what draws you back to Mountain Trek every year, Phil?

Again, it’s just part of my routine. I use it as a basis to steer my life in the right direction. Going to Mountain Trek helps me maintain a weight of around 200 pounds and 18% body fat. (Ed note: According to the Jackson & Pollock Body Fat Percentage Chart, 20% body fat is “ideal” for someone over 56 years of age. Phil is exceeding that.)

What would be your advice to someone who is thinking about coming to Mountain Trek?

Be prepared to get rid of your inhibitions. Some people say, “Oh I won’t be able to keep up with the rest” but it’s not about that. You’re not competing against anyone but yourself. It’s all about getting rid of your demons…It’s about your total health, not just weight loss.

Anything else you want to tell our readers about the Mountain Trek experience?

The yoga instructors, coaches and guides, they’re all excellent. And the quality of food is very good. I never get hungry when I’m there!

 

Summer Lovin’ Health Spa Vacation All This Fall

/in /by

fall-monica-meadows-hike

Summer is going on and on in the West Kootenays of British Columbia, and we’re still out exploring the beautiful mountains. Our fall program is well underway and each week, our guests are loving the golden light and balmy temperatures. October is a great month for spending days outside, especially as many people struggle with feeling a bit blue as as the light gradually recedes from our northern latitudes. A thermos of delicious warm soup on a high trail, and a good dose of vitamin D from sun on skin will keep anyone’s spirits up.

Hills, Hikes and Health in Baja

/in /by

The Grounds at Rancho La Puerta

Mountain Trek Heads to Rancho la Puerta

When you think of boot camp, do you think about suffering for your own well-being and improved health and fitness? Well, boot camp at Rancho La Puerta á la Mountain Trek, that couldn’t be further from the truth when we head south of the border for two weeks in November.

What To Expect

Oh, you’ll still sweat, after all, that means your heart rate is performing and detox is happening. But folded into a day of vigorous hiking and workouts is the spiritual, physical and emotional renewal for which the Ranch has become world-famous. Replacing the old-growth forests and alpine ridge tops of British Columbia, are birds, rabbits, and quail scurrying about the lavender and rosemary-scented gardens that make up the Ranch’s landscape. The Ranch has been named one of the world’s top destination spas, a reputation it rightly deserves with its luxury spa amenities and accommodations.

Hiking weight lossAs the vibrant colours of fall pass into the grey skies of winter in the north, the sun is shining south of the border. Rancho is nestled in a sheltered valley only an hour’s drive from San Diego and known for it’s beautiful climate, with sunshine over 325 days a year.

When asked, Kirk Shave, Program Director at Mountain Trek, said that the biggest difference between the program in BC and the one they run in Baja is the smorgasbord of exceptional classes that the Ranch delivers. “There’s everything from feldenkrais, to sculpt and fit, to hydro-fit in ozone pools to Tibetan bowl chanting. And they’re top notch.” While Mountain Trek’s program in BC is restricted to boot camp, guests at the Ranch will have two hours each afternoon to pick and choose from the myriad of offerings. The Ranch runs six or seven classes every hour. “The quality of their programs are exceptional and add an exciting lift to our boot camp,” says Kirkland. “But when classes stop at 5pm at the Ranch, we keep going with our evening fitness activity.”

Hiking directly from the lodge means there’s no travel time. So after morning yoga at dawn and breakfast, trekkers head to the hills for three to four hours of hiking amid a labyrinth of trails in the Chaparral country.

How is the Ranch Different?

There’s almost no experience like this. All the fitness, weight loss, and nutrition of Mountain Trek at a world-famous luxury retreat. “We feel so good about taking our guests to The Ranch every year,” Kirk adds. “For one, it allows us to continue to offer our program through the winter months, for another, is the top-notch facilities and staff that the Ranch provide. It really is an oasis.”

What is Mountain Trek?

Mountain Trek is the health reset you’ve been looking for. Our award-winning health retreat, immersed in the lush nature of British Columbia, will help you detox, unplug, recharge, and roll back years of stress and unhealthy habits. To learn more about the retreat, and how we can help you reset your health, please email us at info@mountaintrek.com or reach out below:

The Call of the Carolinas

/in /by

The colors of summer flowers and weather continue to please us in the month of September here at Mountain Trek, British Columbia. It is the beginning of our Indian summer. Fall feels distant in the warm air.

Fall arrives for us when we gather our gear and head back for another Mountain Trek adventure in North Carolina where we are open from November 7th to December 5. Near the hot springs, come and enjoy amazing vistas, the fabulous Mountain Trek cuisine, and great weight loss results. Our base camp once again, is Bent Creek Lodge, a Bed and Breakfast nestled away on 8 acres of forest, just 15 minutes outside Asheville.

It’s the same high intensity hiking program with a maximum of 10 guests to ensure you get the personalized attention you’ve come to expect at Mountain Trek. Multiple flights arrive daily from all major centers to the Asheville airport a mere twenty minute drive from Bent Creek. Check out North Carolina for more info.

On the Tropical Horizon

/in /by

Our Costa Rica Program has enjoyed a successful following since opening in 2007. We are currently seeking another venue to run our FitPath program in 2010. Stay connected via our Facebook page for the status of our “Tropical Trek.”