Active Lifestyle

In our everyday busy lives, our body maintenance is often the first to go. Unfortunately, without strong bodies we don’t work to the best of our ability. If you too have fallen off the workout bandwagon, then Soma Get Fit Retreats might be the cure.

Soma is the Greek word for body and at Soma Get Fit your body becomes the number one focus. Located in Santa Barbara between majestic mountains and a peaceful coastline, it is the perfect location to work on your self from the inside out. Soma Get Fit was created by Scott Crawford, an elite fitness specialist who is dedicated to providing holistic well being. He and the Soma team create personalized experiences that integrate outdoor fitness with wellness practices, bodywork, relaxation activities and nutritious organic eating. In other words, Soma retreats aren’t cookie cutter – you get to discuss your preferences with the team before you arrive to make sure they book exactly what you want.  Soma is also committed to the sustainability of the planet, they consciously seek to minimize the foot print of each retreats through using reusables water bottles, purchasing food from local farmers, using skincare products that use minimum packing and they can also arrange for you to stay in eco-friendly hotel options.

YDT was lucky enough experience a weekend retreat and here’s a snapshot into our 3 amazing days. By far, the best thing about Soma retreats is that we didn’t have to worry about anything—we just showed up and it was already planned, organized and scheduled for us.  From the daily routine to meals, and accommodations to transportation–the Soma team had prearranged everything for us.

DAY 1: When we arrived in Santa Barbara, the Soma Team met us at a local wine bar to grab a drink and discuss the weekend’s agenda (per the preferences form we had filled out a week prior). Afterwards we were whisked away to do some light yoga and receive amazing massages that targeted our problem areas. For dinner our personal chef Jennifer prepared—wild Alaskan salmon served with delicious Israeli couscous followed by tasty organic soy ice cream for dessert. Local Santa Barbara wines were plentiful as well. The night ended shortly there after as we had an early wake-up .

DAY 2: The morning started off with a healthy breakfast of goat milk yogurt, organic peaches, and blueberry muffins. After breakfast, we met with our chef at the largest farmer’s market in town to pick out our dinner (we wanted it to be as fresh and local as possible). Once dinner was settled, the training staff took us up to the Romero Cyn Trail to do some hiking and see breathtaking views all the way from Summerland to Northern Santa Barbara. The hike was challenging, but not too steep for novices. Little did we know that this was only the beginning.

After our hike, we were transferred to the beach for some serious Pilates and core work all while looking at beautiful Butterfly Beach. Exhaustion did not get the best of us however, especially when we heard that we were getting local lobster tacos for lunch. After our massive tacos, we headed to the Santa Barbara Harbor for a three-mile kayak ride around the Santa Barbara Pier. We were greeted by sea lions who we fighting amongst themselves to get on a warm dingy, one of which toppled Lauren over into the cold water.

Slightly tired, wet and sore, we headed back for some soothing yoga followed by relaxation time in the spa and sauna . Santa Barbara local Jaqua products were used for a foot soak and facial, which was followed by another round of bodywork and massage. By the time all of our pampering had finished, our dinner was ready. Our meal consisted of grass fed beef skewers, organic spinach and beat salad, savory olive bread and of course, more local wine. It was a perfect way to end an enjoyable, but physically challenging day.

DAY 3: Normally after being so active one would would wake up quite sore. Not the case thanks to the bodywork and massages we received the night before. This was also ideal as we were about to go and try paddle boarding for the first time ever. Paddle boarding is often best early morning while the water is calm. So after our organic breakfast we were quickly taken to the beach for our personal lesson. If you’ve never tried paddle boarding before, it’s sort of like standing on a giant surfboard, only you have a paddle and move around like you’re in a canoe. Unlike with surfing, from a standing vantage you can see all the way down into the ocean (which is cool, but kind of scary.) We spent about an hour and probably ventured a good mile and a half past shore. We we’re able to see some dolphins swim by too.

After a final stretch and meal on the beach, our retreat was sadly over. But thankfully Soma helped reinvigorate my workout habits and I’m currently training for a half marathon.

What we gained most from the retreat was the ability to turn off the technology, the crack berry, the constant need to stay “connected” and really just connect with ourselves. Each day we get 24 hrs and there’s no reason that one of those hours can’t be used to improve our body and spirit. So if you’re looking to make an escape, get in focus and in shape, head north to Santa Barbara—and let Soma Get Fit get you focused on your own Soma.

Need more inspiration as to why you should take a retreat?  Check out this video and start planning.

SOMA GET FIT. RETREAT. from SCOTT CRAWFORD on Vimeo.

Tags: green excersise, massage, Outdoor retreat, Santa Barbara, santa barbara activities, santa barbara retreat, sustainable retreats, Travel, weekend getaway