Zion Ponderosa: Ways to Stay Healthy on Family Vacations

by Mom It Forward on December 29th, 2013 | No Comments »

When looking for ways to stay healthy on family vacations, what do you do? For some people, the most important consideration would be the type of healthful activities offered. Others might value more the availability of options for all members of their family, young and old. For those who want many different kinds of health activities for everyone in your family, Zion Ponderosa is an awesome place to visit in southern Utah. We've talked about this cool ranch and resort before: their great activities, food, and lodging, as well as their proximity to so many things to do. Now let's talk about their health and wellness options.

Health Vacation Wellness Retreats

Offered at the beginning of May and the end of September/beginning of October in 2014, these retreats are "whole body wellness experiences." They include:

Suite accommodations
Daily guided morning hikes
Three healthy meals daily
Wellness seminars
Fitness classes
Healthy-eating classes
Outdoor discovery activities
Relaxation activities, including stargazing, yoga, and "campfire fun"
Use of the outdoor pool, jacuzzis, open areas, and walking trails

Lodging during these retreats is "bed-and-breakfast" style, with guests each assigned to their own private suite within a large, often luxurious, lodge-style cabin. Costs range from $1,699 to $2,499, depending on how many people are in your party. Now let's talk more specifically about a couple of those things.

Fitness Bootcamps and Classes

The fitness bootcamp classes offered during these retreats will be a blend of training in push-ups, dumbbells, pushing and pulling heavy objects, squats, lunges, etc. There will also be some water aerobic classes, zumba, pilates, yoga, as well as trail runs through the ruggedly beautiful terrain around Zion National Park during the retreats.

These particular classes won't be offered regularly outside of the retreats, although there will be fitness class options available during the year for large groups that request it. You can check out a sample itinerary of the retreats as well as prices for this here.

Healthy Food Options

While guests are out hiking, swimming, horseback riding, walking, canyoneering, or doing any of the more than 15 guided or unguided fitness activities, chefs prepare a variety of healthy food options. These are served at either their Blue Belly or poolside grills, the Narrows Cafe, or through their catering or grocery service. Guests do not want for options. Wherever possible, they use local vendors to provide fresh vegetables and proteins, and supplement from their on-site vegetable and herb garden. Special dietary requirements are accommodated, and a craft beer menu and fine wine list are offered.

For more information on ways to stay fit on a family vacation at Zion Ponderosa, check out ZionPonderosa.com/wellness-fitness.

Check out our other posts on Zion Ponderosa here and here and here and here and here for full information on the resort.

A frequent contributor to Mom It Forward, Jamie Moesser holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public administration. Before becoming a full-time mom she spent 10 years writing grants and fundraising for non-profit organizations. She now enjoys blogging at HobbyMamas.com, volunteering at her sons’ school, reading, writing fiction, scrapbooking, waterskiing, r/c car racing, and dirt biking.