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If you have ever dreamed about losing weight Biggest Loser-style, but without the cameras, then the Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge can turn your dream into a reality.
With two locations, in Ivins, UT and Malibu, CA, the Biggest Loser Resort is an exclusive weight loss destination that offers all the same elements of the famous structured diet and exercise plan that is followed by the Biggest Loser contestants. You'll be able to meet your health goals, whether they be losing weight or experiencing a fitness getaway in a serene setting. In fact, with its low-calorie diet, scenic calorie-burning hikes, envigorating personal training and nutrition education classes, you might find it to be a much more enjoyable experience than the TV drama.
Each day, guests receive an outlined itinerary that includes seven hours of exercise, three meals and dessert for 1200 calories, and educational lectures about nutrition, emotional eating and meal planning. A typical day begins at 8 a.m. with a hike in the nearby mountains followed by a water aerobics class, a healthy lunch, three back-to-back 45-minute fitness classes and then a nutritious dinner (with dessert!). When the day's set activities end around 6:30 p.m. you are free to get a massage at the resort's spa, read a book outside in the pool-side cabana or simply crash in your private on-site guest room.
Programs are available for adults and teenagers, aged no younger than 14. You can stay on-site at the resort or at a nearby location for a minimum of one week or as long as you like. It seems that an ideal stay is at least two weeks, but many guests stay for at least a month or several at a time.
This review is based on actual experience at the Utah location. While the BLR provided the stay, this review is not sponsored or influenced in any way and remains the reviewer's own opinion.
PRO
As close to a real Biggest Loser experience as many will find
Structured program and isolated setting
Allows supervised teenagers
Offers comfortable in-house accommodations
Scenic setting inspires outdoor activity
Health professionals and certified personal trainers educate and motivate guests
Strongly promotes nutrition education
1200 calorie menu is chef prepared
Friendly staff cater to guest needs
On-site laundry facility ($1 per load)
Spa services available (fee)
Weigh-ins are optional and confidential
First-name basis with guests and staff
Alcohol and smoking not permitted
Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly meals available
Diabetic meals available
CON
Resort's controlled setting does not mimic "real life"
No dairy is served
Do not learn to prepare healthy meals yourself
One-on-one dietitian counseling is an additional fee
One-on-one emotional eating counseling is an additional fee
Liability waiver must be signed by guests
DIET and NUTRITION
Each meal prepared at The Biggest Loser Resort has been designed by the on-site executive chef and registered dietitian, and has been approved by the team of doctors and nutritionist who work with the Biggest Loser show. In addition, all meals are made around a 1,200 calorie/day diet that is surprisingly beautiful, delicious and satisfying.
Meal times are structured around the day's activity-filled program and are consumed in an intimate group-setting. The dining room has four long dining tables with chairs that look like they came out of a beautiful rustic cabin. A friendly wait staff brings dinner to a pre-set table once you seat yourself.
Each morning that day's menu is updated so you know what to expect for your next three meals, and dessert! The menu is on a four-week rotation, so few guests see a duplication, but if they are there long enough, you're likely to be thrilled to taste many of these chef creations once again.
A salad bar is available at lunch and dinner and is self-serve. Guests are warned that anything eaten from the salad bar is additional calories to the 1,200 calorie diet, and calorie counts are posted for each item.
Fresh bananas, apples and oranges are available on the salad bar throughout the day and guests may help themselves if they need a post-workout pick-me-up or evening snack.
BREAKFAST
Some of the meals you might find at breakfast are as follows. Breakfast is about 300 calories. If you do not care for the entree being served, a bowl of homemade granola is available.
Scrambled egg with turkey bacon English muffins
Fruit plate
Homemade granola with almond milk
Banana nut muffin
Whole grain pancakes with turkey sausage and scrambled eggs
Some of the meals you might find at lunch are as follows. Each lunch comes with a homemade soup and entree. Lunch is about 400 calories. If you do not care for the entree being served, a Boca burger is available.
Tostada
Turkey Club Pita
Green Pizza
Wild Mushroom Soup
Beet Soup
Spicy Carrot Soupincludes salads, soups, sandwiches, burritos and pizza.
Some of the meals you might find at dinner are as follows. Dinner is about 500 calories, and that includes a homemade dessert each evening. If you do not care for the entree being served, a Boca burger is available.
Salmon Burgers
Turkey Meatloaf
Chicken Marinara with Spaghetti Squash
Veggie Lasagna
Chicken and Potato Salad
You'll feel no guilt at all ending your meal with two large chocolate-covered strawberries, almond butter cookies, apple cobbler or mango sorbet.
BEVERAGES
You can't consume too much water during your stay at Biggest Loser Resort. Carafes of ice-cold water line the center of each table during meal times, and each guest receives a branded 20-ounce sport bottle that they are encouraged to keep full with the ice and water machine located in the cafeteria. Guests are encouraged to take a hydration backpack with them for hikes.
An assortment of tea bags are available for hot tea, and almond milk is available with the homemade granola, otherwise no other beverages are provided.
Propel is available for purchase in the gift store.
EXERCISE
Just like on the show, exercise and physical activity are a prominent part of the Biggest Loser Resort program. From the state-of-the-art, well-equipped indoor gym and the expansive aerobics room to taking a water aerobics class in the massive outdoor pool or trekking along a gorgeous and heart-thumping hike in the nearby mountains, it won't take much to motivate guests to spend up to seven hours each day working out.
All classes are lead by at least one certified staff trainer and involve high-paced, gym-appropriate music that keeps bodies moving and calories burning. Each class lasts 45 minutes, and attendance is taken.
HIKING
Daily hikes are a favorite of resort guests, as they offer a chance to leave the grounds and get up close and personal with the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the resort. Leaving the resort at 8 a.m., guests depart in vans with two or three guides with their assigned hiking groups of about six people who are matched in ability (beginner, intermediate or advanced). Each day a different trail is taken, and all require endurance. For some, they'll burn more calories during the morning hike than they'll consume all day. You've never been more apt to want to kill calories than you are when you are hiking with local guides who are well-versed in the terrain, physical demands and safety of the group. Plenty of photo opps are available and hikers are encouraged to take advantage.
GYM
The state-of-the-art gym is where half of your workouts will take place. Well-equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes and free and machine weights, the gym is a place you'll get to know well. Classes like cardio circuits and circuit training are all fast-paced, heart-pounding, sweat-inducing workouts that will provide the bulk of your daily calorie burn. Enthusiastic, certified trainers are motivating, educational and supportive as they guide you through 45-minute workouts that are complimented by music that only helps make those legs move faster!
Outside of the scheduled classes, guests are welcome to use the gym at their leisure.
AEROBICS
In the mirror-walled aerobics room, which overlooks the beautiful red rock mountains, you'll get a fierce workout in ways you probably never thought possible. Post-hike stretching is a favorite of this room, as is 6 a.m. yogalates. The structured fitness classes during the day can include a dedicated fitness ball class, kickboxing, or core work.
WATER
This is a favorite part of the schedule for most guests. One or two pool classes are available each day and offer a no-impact strength and cardio workout that lets you enjoy the scenery and the soak up the sun. Using water weights, noodles or even pool toys, you'll swim, jog, stretch and lift your way in to better shape. In the off hours, feel free to lounge-pool side, or increase that day's calorie burn by swimming laps. Trainers are sensitive to those with water fears and accommodate accordingly.
See our interview with the resort's fitness director, Sharon Reed.
ACCOMMODATIONS
For those guests opting to stay on the Biggest Loser Resort property, the cost only increases a minimal amount and is well worth the stay for many reasons. For starters, the rooms and bathrooms are a little larger than a standard hotel, giving you plenty of room to be comfortable during your stay. Two large queen-size beds are in each room with soft linens. A television, desk, phone, and free wifi are all available in each room. The large bathroom has a tub with a shower, so you can rinse off after a workout or soak after a long day. There are two closets, so you and a friend or resort-matched roommate each have plenty of space for all of your gear. There are two dorms with ten rooms in each, with ground-floor and second-story rooms available. Rooms are mere steps from the gym, pool and cafeteria, making it incredibly convenient to change between classes or make it to breakfast on time in the early morning.
The Resort is currently building the "Casitas," one-bedroom townhomes that will be available on-site for guests wanting a more private, spacious stay.
EDUCATION
Each day, guests will also attend one to two nutrition classes, which teach real-life healthy eating skills. Label-reading, portion control, the role of exercise, mindful eating, calorie-counting and cooking demonstrations are just some of the topics taught to guests by the staff's dietitians, chefs and trainers.
These are conveniently scheduled following meal time, so you don't have to change rooms or chairs. Guests can follow along in the workbook they receive at check-in, as well as engage in a personable Q&A each time.
PACKING LIST
The Biggest Loser Resort offers a packing list for some of the items that you'll need, and some of the following is borrowed from that. You'll need plenty of fitness clothing and comfortable athletic shoes, as well as any leisure activities you may want, like books or a laptop.
Should you forget any items, The Biggest Loser Resort has an on-site store where everything from toiletries to Camelbaks, athletic socks, and clothing can be purchased and charged to your room. Also, one of the resort vans takes guests in to the Target store in St. George, UT once a week.
What to Take to Biggest Loser Resort
Exercise Wear
Casual Clothing
Swimsuit
Light Hiking or Walking Shoes (Trail Runners)
Athletic Exercise Shoes
Athletic socks with extra support, that are breathable and wick away moisture
BodyGlide
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Food Journal (this is the perfect place to start one)
Flip-flops
Jacket and/or Sweatshirt
Hydration Backpack
Sunscreen
Sunglasses / Hat
Small First Aid Kit
Walkman / MP3 Player / Camera / Laptop
Winter Apparel in season (gloves, headband, long pants)
CONCLUSION
The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge is a weight loss destination spot for anyone looking to lose weight or experience a healthy, action-filled and scenic getaway. Just like the popular reality series, the Utah-based resort features all of the main components of the successful weight loss reality series including diet, exercise, trained health professionals, motivation and education, but without the limelight of the cameras and typical reality-TV drama.
Each guest's journey is different - some are there for to jump start a lifestyle that will help them lose hundreds of pounds, some are trying to get back in shape, and some are looking to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with themselves. There's no judgment at Biggest Loser Resort, neither from the guests nor the staff, so feel free to jump in the pool, give it your version of 100% and make new friends confidently and comfortably.
Teens and your program
I'm interested in this camp for my 16 year old daughter. She is 5'2" and 220 lbs. She enjoys English equestrian riding and marching band. She's been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, depression and anxiety. She's currently on medication. What does your program cost and how long would I expect to leave her in a program like yours to help her? Are there summer camps?
I weigh 310 lbs. I need to loose weight but i cannot afford to pay to come there. Do you ever allow people to come for free and help them? I need serious help or I am going to die.
posted Jul 4th, 2013 10:33 pm
jimmy
I would like to receive an e=mail on the costs of coming to the ranch for a month and I will need accommodations. I like the Idea of just walking out of my room to the pool and facility s. Jimmy
posted Apr 5th, 2013 12:51 am
carolyn collins
?
Is Biggest Loser Resort appropriate for those with multiple sclerosis?
is it good for me to come to the ranch if i have multiple sclerosis?
. i weigh 274lbs @ 5'5" doctors keep telling me i need to lose weight and i cant seem to catch a break.
I am a 225lb woman who is 5ft 6inches. Always weighed under 100lbs. Need to lose at least 100lbs. Is there a sliding scale to stay at your resort? Do you have a work for stay in exchange program. Sounds great but the tuition is out of my SS budget!
posted Jan 16th, 2013 11:17 am
ghonem
i need more details and information about your program to loss weight
1-like how much kilo will lose
2-what your program
3-your offer including what
4-any more information
5-how much your offer
posted Dec 1st, 2012 6:11 am
Lisa M
+
I visited BLR FR in Malibu, CA back in February of this year. It was the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. The place was beautiful and clean, the food was amazing, the trainers and nutritionists were all top notch. I've lost just over 50 pounds since returning, and can't wait to go back next year in August.
Seriously - if you are looking to lose weight or simply get healthy, you cannot beat BLR Fitness Ridge.
posted Nov 25th, 2012 8:57 pm
george
+
Amazing. Staff is unbelievable. Education is great. Hikes are awesome. A great kickstart to a new way of life for your fitness and nutrition if you allow it to be. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get fit or who wants to lose weight. I lost 30 lbs in 4 weeks.
posted Apr 20th, 2012 4:17 am
Barbara
I cant afford it, but I am hoping that some big-hearted rich person will pay for me to stay there for 12-16 weeks. I really need to go there because I cant do it at home. I know that I can maintain a healthy weight at home, but it's getting there that is the problem. Please help me.
posted Mar 30th, 2012 9:35 pm
mary nelson
welli like more info ibve trying llose forten yrars hard havve special sons, my never off from work,ive to for me i can be around for myself and faimly i like come spring or aleast aweek my can take because to say with mu son please send me prices an info
posted Jan 3rd, 2012 9:44 am
sharyn
?
What does Biggest Loser Resort cost?
is there any way that accomodation rates can be sent too my email acct?
That sounds great! I have tried weight loss on my own, but it's much harder than I had thought. If I went to something like this I feel I would do a lot better.
posted Oct 28th, 2011 2:16 pm
valerie
+
Unbelievable place, wonderful staff, professional, friendly, helpful, life changing experience. These people really do care, cant get enough of this place. Great food!!
posted Aug 23rd, 2011 4:23 pm
Kris
YOUR RESORT SOUNDS GREAT. I AM SURE I CAN'T AFFORD TO STAY THERE. BUT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PRICE SHEET.
posted Jul 10th, 2011 8:16 pm
lou turner
?
Biggest Loser Resort: malibu or utah?
I cant make my mind up between malibu or utah...any pros and cons for the resorts? anyone been to both? the accommodation at malibu looks nicer, is this a true reflection? where is the best hiking....please help me reach a decision.
@Lisa I went to Utah last fall and I had your exact same concern from the other end: I'm going to be the only person there with 10 pounds to lose. However, my fears (and I'm sure yours) will almost immediately put to rest. It doesn't matter. There were people in my group with hundreds to lose, there were some there with none to lose, simply looking for a place to reconnect with themselves. The Resort is exactly what it needs to be for the individuals who are there. Amongst the 65 people who were there during my stay, there were men and women from the U.S., Canada, and Baghdad, some were in their early 20s, a couple were in their late 70s. Some had been there for months, going to stay for a few more, as they worked to lose 100s of pounds; others were there for the week to lose 5-10-20 pounds. In my experience there was no judgment, everyone was there w/ a common goal of pushing themselves and one another. Don't let weight keep you from going. It's an incredible experience that will do you wonders, no matter what your goal is.
@Lisa I went to Utah last fall and I had your exact same concern from the other end: I'm going to be the only person there with 10 pounds to lose. However, my fears (and I'm sure yours) will almost immediately put to rest. It doesn't matter. There were people in my group with hundreds to lose, there were some there with none to lose, simply looking for a place to reconnect with themselves. The Resort is exactly what it needs to be for the individuals who are there. Amongst the 65 people who were there during my stay, there were men and women from the U.S., Canada, and Baghdad, some were in their early 20s, a couple were in their late 70s. Some had been there for months, going to stay for a few more, as they worked to lose 100s of pounds; others were there for the week to lose 5-10-20 pounds. In my experience there was no judgment, everyone was there w/ a common goal of pushing themselves and one another. Don't let weight keep you from going. It's an incredible experience that will do you wonders, no matter what your goal is.
I am considering going to one of the Biggest Loser resorts. However, I am very over weight and am concerned that I will be surrounded by people who are already fit and there to lose "those last 10 ounds". Can any advise if true over weight people are there?
posted Jun 10th, 2011 9:42 am
Ginger
+
Just got back from a week at Fitness Ridge......it is a superb program!!!!!! I have been to any spas/ weight loss camps (Premier Fitness, Canyon Ranch, Miraval, The Ashram, etc.) and Fitness Ridge is simply the best for weight loss. Premier Fitness is a joke, while CR and Miraval are lovely spas.....see my review under Premier Fitness Camp. Fitness Ridge has great hiking, a highly organized program, really superb trainers, great food, a teaching ( not preaching) approach, and it is really inexpensive compared to all the other places. If you want to lose weight, get in shape and learn, go to Fitness Ridge!
posted May 29th, 2011 1:04 pm
ahoward
I am wondering if they ever offer any deals? My husband needs this desperately to save his life! Well we both could use it, but he has type 2 diabetes and is getting worse, he just found out today his eyes are bleeding due to the diabetes. We try so hard but cannot seem to control his blood sugar levels, and his insurance wont cover his diabetes due to it being pre existing. We both lost our jobs and can barely support our 4 kids. He is working now for half of what he was making before. I am so scared I am going to lose him. He is in pain all the time and getting depressed. I would love to send hom somewhere like this, but wonder if they offer any great discounts. Thanks!
User Feedback
(Page 1 of 3, 49 total comments)Tara
?Teens and your program I'm interested in this camp for my 16 year old daughter. She is 5'2" and 220 lbs. She enjoys English equestrian riding and marching band. She's been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, depression and anxiety. She's currently on medication. What does your program cost and how long would I expect to leave her in a program like yours to help her? Are there summer camps?
Melissa Dunaway
I weigh 310 lbs. I need to loose weight but i cannot afford to pay to come there. Do you ever allow people to come for free and help them? I need serious help or I am going to die.
posted Jul 4th, 2013 10:33 pmjimmy
I would like to receive an e=mail on the costs of coming to the ranch for a month and I will need accommodations. I like the Idea of just walking out of my room to the pool and facility s. Jimmy
posted Apr 5th, 2013 12:51 amcarolyn collins
?Is Biggest Loser Resort appropriate for those with multiple sclerosis? is it good for me to come to the ranch if i have multiple sclerosis? . i weigh 274lbs @ 5'5" doctors keep telling me i need to lose weight and i cant seem to catch a break.
Mary
I am a 225lb woman who is 5ft 6inches. Always weighed under 100lbs. Need to lose at least 100lbs. Is there a sliding scale to stay at your resort? Do you have a work for stay in exchange program. Sounds great but the tuition is out of my SS budget!
posted Jan 16th, 2013 11:17 amghonem
i need more details and information about your program to loss weight
posted Dec 1st, 2012 6:11 am1-like how much kilo will lose
2-what your program
3-your offer including what
4-any more information
5-how much your offer
Lisa M
+I visited BLR FR in Malibu, CA back in February of this year. It was the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. The place was beautiful and clean, the food was amazing, the trainers and nutritionists were all top notch. I've lost just over 50 pounds since returning, and can't wait to go back next year in August.
posted Nov 25th, 2012 8:57 pmSeriously - if you are looking to lose weight or simply get healthy, you cannot beat BLR Fitness Ridge.
george
+Amazing. Staff is unbelievable. Education is great. Hikes are awesome. A great kickstart to a new way of life for your fitness and nutrition if you allow it to be. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get fit or who wants to lose weight. I lost 30 lbs in 4 weeks.
posted Apr 20th, 2012 4:17 amBarbara
I cant afford it, but I am hoping that some big-hearted rich person will pay for me to stay there for 12-16 weeks. I really need to go there because I cant do it at home. I know that I can maintain a healthy weight at home, but it's getting there that is the problem. Please help me.
posted Mar 30th, 2012 9:35 pmmary nelson
welli like more info ibve trying llose forten yrars hard havve special sons, my never off from work,ive to for me i can be around for myself and faimly i like come spring or aleast aweek my can take because to say with mu son please send me prices an info
posted Jan 3rd, 2012 9:44 amsharyn
?What does Biggest Loser Resort cost? is there any way that accomodation rates can be sent too my email acct?
Rebecca
That sounds great! I have tried weight loss on my own, but it's much harder than I had thought. If I went to something like this I feel I would do a lot better.
posted Oct 28th, 2011 2:16 pmvalerie
+Unbelievable place, wonderful staff, professional, friendly, helpful, life changing experience. These people really do care, cant get enough of this place. Great food!!
posted Aug 23rd, 2011 4:23 pmKris
YOUR RESORT SOUNDS GREAT. I AM SURE I CAN'T AFFORD TO STAY THERE. BUT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PRICE SHEET.
posted Jul 10th, 2011 8:16 pmlou turner
?Biggest Loser Resort: malibu or utah? I cant make my mind up between malibu or utah...any pros and cons for the resorts? anyone been to both? the accommodation at malibu looks nicer, is this a true reflection? where is the best hiking....please help me reach a decision.
Brandi
@Lisa I went to Utah last fall and I had your exact same concern from the other end: I'm going to be the only person there with 10 pounds to lose. However, my fears (and I'm sure yours) will almost immediately put to rest. It doesn't matter. There were people in my group with hundreds to lose, there were some there with none to lose, simply looking for a place to reconnect with themselves. The Resort is exactly what it needs to be for the individuals who are there. Amongst the 65 people who were there during my stay, there were men and women from the U.S., Canada, and Baghdad, some were in their early 20s, a couple were in their late 70s. Some had been there for months, going to stay for a few more, as they worked to lose 100s of pounds; others were there for the week to lose 5-10-20 pounds. In my experience there was no judgment, everyone was there w/ a common goal of pushing themselves and one another. Don't let weight keep you from going. It's an incredible experience that will do you wonders, no matter what your goal is.
posted Jun 10th, 2011 11:33 amBrandi
@Lisa I went to Utah last fall and I had your exact same concern from the other end: I'm going to be the only person there with 10 pounds to lose. However, my fears (and I'm sure yours) will almost immediately put to rest. It doesn't matter. There were people in my group with hundreds to lose, there were some there with none to lose, simply looking for a place to reconnect with themselves. The Resort is exactly what it needs to be for the individuals who are there. Amongst the 65 people who were there during my stay, there were men and women from the U.S., Canada, and Baghdad, some were in their early 20s, a couple were in their late 70s. Some had been there for months, going to stay for a few more, as they worked to lose 100s of pounds; others were there for the week to lose 5-10-20 pounds. In my experience there was no judgment, everyone was there w/ a common goal of pushing themselves and one another. Don't let weight keep you from going. It's an incredible experience that will do you wonders, no matter what your goal is.
posted Jun 10th, 2011 11:31 amLisa H
I am considering going to one of the Biggest Loser resorts. However, I am very over weight and am concerned that I will be surrounded by people who are already fit and there to lose "those last 10 ounds". Can any advise if true over weight people are there?
posted Jun 10th, 2011 9:42 amGinger
+Just got back from a week at Fitness Ridge......it is a superb program!!!!!! I have been to any spas/ weight loss camps (Premier Fitness, Canyon Ranch, Miraval, The Ashram, etc.) and Fitness Ridge is simply the best for weight loss. Premier Fitness is a joke, while CR and Miraval are lovely spas.....see my review under Premier Fitness Camp. Fitness Ridge has great hiking, a highly organized program, really superb trainers, great food, a teaching ( not preaching) approach, and it is really inexpensive compared to all the other places. If you want to lose weight, get in shape and learn, go to Fitness Ridge!
posted May 29th, 2011 1:04 pmahoward
I am wondering if they ever offer any deals? My husband needs this desperately to save his life! Well we both could use it, but he has type 2 diabetes and is getting worse, he just found out today his eyes are bleeding due to the diabetes. We try so hard but cannot seem to control his blood sugar levels, and his insurance wont cover his diabetes due to it being pre existing. We both lost our jobs and can barely support our 4 kids. He is working now for half of what he was making before. I am so scared I am going to lose him. He is in pain all the time and getting depressed. I would love to send hom somewhere like this, but wonder if they offer any great discounts. Thanks!
posted May 19th, 2011 9:10 pm