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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.
Can anyone tell me what the Biggest Loser Resort website is. I wanted to check out pricing. I hears its not to bad. I have used BING and haven't found anything just other people posting info.
posted Jan 2nd, 2010 12:12 am
Mason
-
:( mean ol jillian!
posted Dec 19th, 2009 5:54 pm
Jeanette
Pat, you can go to Tthe Biggest Loser Resort website to see the rates. They really are cheap when you look at other resorts that offer the same type of programs. It surprises me that this one is less expensive than the other's due to the popularity of the show.
posted Dec 9th, 2009 10:35 am
Sydney
All that but no Jillian or Bob.
posted Dec 9th, 2009 1:25 am
mother of 2
These are the rates I found on the ranches website:
Private Accommodations: A guestroom all to yourself.
One Week: $1,995
Four Weeks: $7,200 ($1,800 weekly rate)
Double Occupancy Accommodations: A double occupancy guestroom. (We can try and find you a roommate)
One Week: $1,595
Four Weeks: $5,600 ($1,400 weekly rate)
Off-site Accommodations: You stay off-site in accommodations you arrange for yourself.
One Week: $1,295
Four Weeks: $4,400 ($1,100 weekly rate)
NOTE: Weeks do not need to be consecutive. You can purchase weeks at the multi-week rate and spread them out over a period of time.
posted Nov 30th, 2009 2:25 pm
Pat
+
It all sounds really great but my idea of low pricing might be different than yours. If its so cheap why isn't it posted somewhere?
This sounds really interesting. I'd never consider going on a reality TV show because I'm camera-shy and it just doesn't interest me, however getting the same level of training as TBL campus is quite appealing, and would be a great jump start for anyone to get their head in the weight-loss game.
User Feedback
(Page 3 of 3, 49 total comments)Bridgett
Can anyone tell me what the Biggest Loser Resort website is. I wanted to check out pricing. I hears its not to bad. I have used BING and haven't found anything just other people posting info.
posted Jan 2nd, 2010 12:12 amMason
-:( mean ol jillian!
posted Dec 19th, 2009 5:54 pmJeanette
Pat, you can go to Tthe Biggest Loser Resort website to see the rates. They really are cheap when you look at other resorts that offer the same type of programs. It surprises me that this one is less expensive than the other's due to the popularity of the show.
posted Dec 9th, 2009 10:35 amSydney
All that but no Jillian or Bob.
posted Dec 9th, 2009 1:25 ammother of 2
These are the rates I found on the ranches website:
posted Nov 30th, 2009 2:25 pmPrivate Accommodations: A guestroom all to yourself.
One Week: $1,995
Four Weeks: $7,200 ($1,800 weekly rate)
Double Occupancy Accommodations: A double occupancy guestroom. (We can try and find you a roommate)
One Week: $1,595
Four Weeks: $5,600 ($1,400 weekly rate)
Off-site Accommodations: You stay off-site in accommodations you arrange for yourself.
One Week: $1,295
Four Weeks: $4,400 ($1,100 weekly rate)
NOTE: Weeks do not need to be consecutive. You can purchase weeks at the multi-week rate and spread them out over a period of time.
Pat
+It all sounds really great but my idea of low pricing might be different than yours. If its so cheap why isn't it posted somewhere?
posted Nov 29th, 2009 3:00 amPat Rogers
What is the cost???
posted Nov 21st, 2009 6:18 pmsweetcindi8
How much is it to go to the resort?
posted Nov 5th, 2009 4:26 pmwebgoddess
+This sounds really interesting. I'd never consider going on a reality TV show because I'm camera-shy and it just doesn't interest me, however getting the same level of training as TBL campus is quite appealing, and would be a great jump start for anyone to get their head in the weight-loss game.
posted Oct 21st, 2009 2:09 pm