Who isn’t nervous when going on a first trip that includes fitness? spa? yoga? Who doesn’t feel heavy after the Holidays? Tempted by Ozempic? Try a week at Ixtapan Spa.
I was nervous booking my first spa/fitness trip. Were others mountain climbers or marathoners? Did guests count steps at meals? Were they all thin? Were my son’s high school sweat pants too shabby? Basically was I going to fit in and benefit?
Here are the biggest fears women express before a fitness trip.
Are You Fit Enough? Not all resorts appreciate seniors. My experience with a famous resort in New England is it catered to young professionals. Aerobics classes were speedy, and to keep up required familiarity of movements. Few participants took the break for water I needed. In circuit classes, we practically ran from machine to machine, dangerous for me as a senior which could slip and break a bone. You need a resort like Ixtapan Resort, famous for offering classes done at all levels. And we seniors need a destination where we are not ashamed of our older bodies. Some guests do it all; some do ‘nada’. I recall an 88 year old New York artist who twisted into a virtual pretzel during yoga. Who can forget another woman who had been in a car accident; she moved slowly and carefully but moved.
Women worry is everyone younger? At Ixtapan, ages vary as do guests’ limits. Examples: Once I went with a younger friend, who wanted to lose weight. She played hours of tennis with the coach, ate mainly fish and salads. During another visit, a middle aged pal said she wanted to get away from MidWest winter. She rested in Ixtapan’s gorgeous gardens, read on her sunny balcony. She thawed and yes relaxed. All ages come for the healthy included cuisine, fresh mountain air and organic spa treatments—A day of spa where I live costs as much as a week in Mexico. Guests love the staff who who make them feel special. There are lots of mother-daughter combos.
Are we all scared when trying something new? Part is embarrassment of unfamiliar clothing? Or traveling away from home solo? Or being the new kid in class? We might be afraid of a first fitness class and how we look? A few months ago,I joined Ixtapan’s Chair Yoga for the first time. Instructions were easy. I had to really concentrate. For me, the first class was challenging but a fantastic stretch. The second class was easier and the combo of the 2 classes in 2 days re-introduced me to parts of my body.
For women, clothing can be a problem. We are stuck on the need to project an image, even when no one cares. Some women come to Ixtapan in hip work out garb. Others like me are in tees and leggings. In Ixtapan’s casual atmosphere, no one notices; in a fancy resort, people not only notice but discuss brands. PS laundry is cheap so don’t overpack. (note: ask about laundry prices for any fitness resort you consider).
You think you are too large? Years ago, we operated trips for the author of the Born to Shop Guidebooks. One traveler booked and then apologized that she was a size 18. The author, Suzy Gershman, replied Tell her I am 5 ft 10, and wear a tent. Yes there will be a robe at Ixtapan that fits you. No you will not be hungry at Ixtapan.
Coming solo might be your worst fear. You will be with our groups, not as a new kid but as a new friend. You will go home feeling like a new kid lighter, brighter and relaxed. You will be planning your next Ixtapan visit. Contact us here: https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/contact/ Or call us 646 309 5607.
