If your are looking to get into shape, then a fitness retreat could be the prefect option to achieve your goals faster.
Fitness retreats in Australia are becoming increasingly popular – partly because people are becoming more health-conscious and realise the importance of being fit, and partly because Australia has the perfect climate and environment that is almost ideal for running fitness retreats year round.
However, not all health and fitness retreats are made equal…
Some require military-style fitness and discipline and will quickly get you into shape (bootcamp style).
Others offer a more relaxed and less-structured approach. No matter what style you are after – there are plenty of options you can enjoy across Australia.
If your idea of a fitness holiday is cross country running and crawling in mud, then a high intensity bootcamp style program would be ideal for you. It can get you into shape fast. Or if you are already fit, it can help you maintain your fitness or develop it further.
However, there are also fitness retreats that allow visitors to choose what kind of physical activity they take part in – whether it be walking, swimming or doing yoga….
Being fit is a relative term – so it’s up to you to decide how much you want to push yourself to get into shape.
Fortunately, in Australia there are many retreats to choose from and we have reviewed five of the best fitness retreats below…
What Can I Expect From a Fitness Retreat in Australia?
Fitness means different things to different people. To many people, even yoga is a type of fitness activity. While for others, a high intensity workout (bootcamp style) is the only way to get (and stay) really fit.
So if you plan to go on a fitness retreat, make sure you know why you are opting for this type of a getaway.
Also, it’s important to consider how fit you are and how fit you’d like to be. Choosing a venue that offers exactly what you need is often what makes a difference between a successful and disastrous holiday.
Fitness retreats usually last from a weekend to a whole week.
For quick results, a bootcamp or high intensity training retreat is a good choice but you have to be prepared to spend your time being pushed both physically and mentally.
Even though this may be daunting for many, the location and environment will be idyllic and you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people.
Many fitness retreats in Australia offer programs that make it possible, for even for those seemingly unfit people, to take part in any of the fitness programs.
They offer “packages” that include a little bit of everything, for example yoga, surfing, running, healthy food options, meditation, massage etc…
In the evening you have the opportunity to sit back and relax with a few drinks and great company.
If you choose carefully, you will get what you hoped for but you have to be realistic and know what your level of fitness is and also what your limitations.
Fortunately, most fitness retreats in Australia have quite a number of programs to choose from.
More and more people choose being active while on holidays, however, fitness retreats don’t have to be bootcamp-style venues.
Many of them combine fitness, relaxation, and fun and we have narrowed down 5 of the best fitness retreats in Australia that will cater for most individuals.
5 of the Best Fitness Retreats in Australia
1. Active Escapes, Byron Bay, NSW and Noosa, QLD
Active Escapes runs fitness retreats all over the world.
They have two coastal locations in Australia, Byron Bay in New South Wales and Noosa in Queensland, and normally run monthly retreats.
They offer many different programs and activities so it’s easy to find the one that meets your requirements.
They aim for you to be fitter at the end compared to when you arrive and cater for everyone.
Whether you want to to learn to surf, do high intensity training on the beach or just relax and enjoy great food, great company and beautiful surroundings – it’s all available and it will be a fun holiday to remember.
2. Pam Burridge Surf Retreats, Mollymook Beach, NSW
In this women-only health and fitness retreat you have the opportunity to learn to surf from world renowned surfer and Aussie legend, Pam Burridge.
The surf adventure retreat is located near a secluded beach in southern New South Wales, where experienced coaches (Accredited with Surfing Australia and the Australian Sports Commission) will teach you the basics of surfing and stand up paddle boarding (SUP).
You’ll also be able to try paddle boarding in protected bays and lakes.
After just a few lessons, you’ll feel confident enough to surf on your own.
They take both beginners, who need to learn the basics, and intermediate surfers, who would like to improve their surfing skills.
They also have a range of board sizes and designs to try out.
Even though surfing is what this retreat focuses on, you will be able to engage in various other activities such as yoga and relax in the beautiful surroundings.
3. She Runs Fitness Retreat, Smiths Beach, Victoria
As ‘She Runs’ their mission is to…
…help create a world full of incredibly healthy and happy women – ready to take on any of life’s challenges. Women who are strong, fit and totally in control of both their mind and body. Women who others could look upon and say “she runs her day”
This is one of Australia’s best modern fitness retreats, with an aim to transform you – both physically and mentally.
You’ll be joined by a sisterhood of like minded women that are role models and superstars to their loved ones.
If it’s a girl’s weekend escape that you need, then you can join their 4 day fitness and relaxation retreat.
Activities include running, surfing, meditation, pilates, walking and wellness workshops.
They take small groups for functional training and also offer personal training, with their fitness retreat located at Smith’s Beach on Phillip Island in Victoria.
4. Destination Adventure, Magnetic Island, QLD
Destination Adventure retreat is best known for unique and personalised adventure programs and fitness experience.
The activities they offer range from an Ocean Paddling Clinic, Running Retreats (with Aussie marathon legends with Melinda Gainsford Taylor and Steve Moneghetti), Mountain Bike Adventures to Yoga and Wellness Retreats.
Destination Adventure is all about YOU…
…providing you with the tools and support to find the hidden athlete within, and being the best you, you can be!
They even arrange triathlons for those who are keen.
All in the tropical paradise of Magnetic Island in Queensland.
5. Scoops Health Retreat, Rye, Victoria
The Scoops Heath Retreat offers action-packed weekends that cater for all levels of fitness.
They believe…
Don’t put off til tomorrow what you can do today…
Some of activities you can engage in are pilates, cardio, weights, boxing, yoga, reiki, massage, body treatments etc.
They offer small group training sessions, that provide the benefits of personal training but at a lower cost and with team camaraderie.
If you have a teen or tween – well they can train with you for free!
Their holistic health rand fitness retreats are designed for groups of up to 10, with the goal of giving you some time out to reflect and reset.
Accommodation is just 100 meters from the beach, and the homemade food and relaxed atmosphere make this retreat ideal for those hoping to escape the rat race for a couple of days.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Fitness Retreat
Whether you’re looking for a more low intensity type of fitness retreat with surfing, paddle boarding and yoga, or a more regimented bootcamp, there will be a fitness retreat in Australia to suit your budget, fitness level and need for relaxation.
When choosing a fitness retreat, bear in mind that most escapes come with a diverse range of activities and you to get to choose the ones that you want to participate in. Take time to research what each individual retreats offers and really think through what you want to get out of it.
No matter what, all retreats will emphasise the element of having fun and connecting with like-minded people if it is a group fitness retreat.
Whichever fitness retreat you choose, you will leave feeling stronger, more resilient, more confident, relaxed and most importantly…fitter.
If you need a hand deciding on the best fitness retreat for you or a loved one – we suggest you begin HERE: https://www.besthealthretreats.com.au/
Leave us a comment below if you have any questions, we would love to hear from you…
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Best Health Retreats or its staff.