Spring clean your fitness routine

When devising a fitness plan, we say, mix it up and have some fun. It can be about reps, tracking stats, or monitoring performance, but also (and we think it should) be a celebration of what your body has learned to do and loves to do.

First, let’s set the record straight; fitness is for everyone. There is an athlete in all of us, and by trying various activities, you give your inner athlete an opportunity to shine.

The ideal way to discover new activities is by taking a trip to Six Senses Douro Valley. The resort’s activities calendar is packed full of outdoor and indoor activities to inspire you.

Here are some of our favorites:

Tree Climbing:

Stand at the bottom of the tree and search for your inner child (who would have skipped up the tree without the safety ropes). As an adult, you battle the safety card but soon feel that there is something natural and enjoyable about the simple act of climbing a tree (especially when supervised and wearing a harness). Call it an hour of active tree hugging. Plus, the view is incredible, making it even more worthwhile.

E-biking:

What better reward is there than cycling uphill to enjoy a clear view over the vine-covered terraces of the Douro Valley? The resort’s guided bike tours take you on the best routes to be able to see the vineyards and enjoy a workout along the way.

Personal Training:

Glove up and punch on under the professional guidance of personal training and boxing expert Luis. Arrange an hour-long one-to-one session focused on power and improving your technique for maximum effect.

The fitness world is a jungle of advice, which can often be conflicting, especially for women. The latest research suggests that diet and exercise should be tailored to your hormones and monthly cycles. That’s why Luis will quickly adjust your technique to make the satisfying smack on his pad even louder. Boxing is an incredible workout for women; it is empowering and offers a full-body cardio workout and rest periods between sets while working on strength and mobility. Your biggest challenge might be holding your focus. As soon as you think of something else, you’ll mess up the combo, so we argue it is somewhat meditative too!

Authentic yoga in the motherland

Like many things, the Western world has taken yoga and watered it down from its original intention. So why not head to India and experience yoga in its truest form at Six Senses Vana?

Yoga isn’t about donning bamboo yoga pants twice a week and making some shapes while trying your best to breathe when you think you should be. Yoga at Six Senses Vana is a personal journey to you, not twenty people in one room all trying to follow the same movements. You learn to listen to your body, not just at each stage of your life, but each stage of the day.

Days start early, with sunrise yoga at 7:00 am with Manoj. His effervescent energy is infectious and will make you smile for times to come as you think back to your Six Senses Vana journey. Each morning session includes sun salutations followed by a flow that has you moving quicker than you think is possible on a yoga mat. It is a wonderfully empowering start to the day.

Yoga can also be subtle and have a huge impact. Six Senses Vana offers an afternoon session held by Suyash, focused on digestive support. The hour is not physically intensive but instead involves concentration to get each small movement correct for maximum ongoing effect.

What to look for next:

At Six Senses Rome, we will be introducing electro muscle stimulation (EMS) training to enhance your workout to reduce your exercise period while increasing your performance. The device attaches to your limbs and stimulates your body with tiny electrodes as you move. The results? An enhanced workout with body-toning results.