Attending a fitness retreat for the first time can feel daunting. You have so many questions about the location, the accommodation, the activities, and, of course, the other people who will be there. 

If you're embarking on a wellness retreat on your own, then it’s natural that you’ll be thinking about the unknown.

Some of the most common questions we hear are: ‘Is it only for CrossFitters?’  ‘Am I the only person going alone?’ ‘ Will I inadvertently go on a diet’? 

We’ve put this article together to debunk some of the most common myths and misconceptions we hear about our retreats. Whether it’s about the schedule, the workouts or your fellow retreaters, the fears and misbeliefs we come across tend to fall into one of the five points listed below.

So if you’re considering embarking on a group retreat or adventure, we’re confident that after reading this you’ll have no fears about signing up and leaping into our one-of-a-kind travel experiences this summer.

1. You Have To Be Super Fit

One of the biggest myths surrounding fitness retreats is that attendees must already have a super high level of fitness to participate. 

Retreats cater to people of all fitness levels, as they provide a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can move at their own pace. Our retreat coaches are experts at adapting workouts to accommodate various fitness levels and know how to ensure everyone feels challenged and empowered without being overwhelmed. 

It’s important to note too that fitness retreats aren’t often just about fitness. They offer a holistic approach to attendee’s wellness,going far beyond physical workouts. We often offter nutrition, reflection and a whole lot of fun, outdoor activities, alongside –or sometimes as an alternative to– workouts.

That said, if you are new to exercise or at the beginning of your fitness journey, then retreats can actually be an incredible starting point. There’s a supportive atmosphere, expert guidance always on hand, and so many types of activities that it can be really beneficial to immerse yourself in this environment. Don’t let the myth of needing to be super fit deter you from experiencing the joys that come with an adventure holiday.

2. You’ll feel like you’re on a diet 

We’ve heard it time and time again–that if you go on a retreat you will be subjected to a monotonous diet of salads, vegetables and bland, uninspiring meals. You’ll be pleased to hear that this is far from reality, with so many fitness and wellness retreats emphasising balanced nutrition that fuels your days and your training. 

Yes, nourishing and nutrient-rich foods are undoubtedly a part of the daily routine, but nourishing does not equal boring. There’s always a range of dishes following local recipes that cater to all tastes and preferences. Our chef-prepared meals are always crafted with optimal nutrition in mind.

Think vibrant and health-focused foods such as:

• A wide variety of lean meats and vegetarian options

• Fresh dishes made with minimal frying

• Freshly blended smoothies for a nutrient-packed snack or breakfast

• No added extras so you can taste  the true flavours of  local food 

Retreats also now place a strong emphasis on education surrounding nutrition, with cooking demonstrations, workshops and seminars often forming part of the overall offering. This aims to empower you to continue with sustainable nutrition practices long after the retreat ends.

3. You Won’t Know Anyone

If you’re considering your first retreat but fear feeling out of place because you won’t know anyone, let us reassure you now–you are not alone in that. It’s a huge fear of many first-time solo travellers. Whether it’s because you have difficulty making new friends or are more introverted, it’s so common to be worried about travelling solo. It can be really scary to jump on a plane to an unfamiliar place full of unfamiliar faces, but the beauty of retreats is that they are curated with all of these fears in mind. In fact, the entire agenda of a More Life Adventures retreat is pieced together on the assumption that we’ll have multiple first-time solo travellers joining us, and we take all of the below into account.

Firstly, we know that everyone choosing to attend shares the same interest in becoming a healthier version of themselves, with the intention of meeting new people and making new connections. With a shared passion you are guaranteed to be surrounded by like-minded people, and there’s a high chance that someone else is feeling a similar level of nervousness. 

We also programme activities specifically designed to encourage social interaction and getting to know one another. Whether it’s group hikes, team workouts, boat trips, or evening BBQs, there are so many opportunities to meet new people and build new connections and friendships. 

The environment is designed  to build  a supportive community from the moment you arrive, with the location, accommodation, meals and activities all chosen to create a winning atmosphere for all types of guests. 

Physical and mental transformation  is a key outcome of a retreat, and that comes from having the freedom to explore, discover and reconnect with both others and yourself in a variety of ways.

5. Alcohol Is Banned

When it comes to alcohol at retreats, we are here to encourage recovery from stress and forming healthy habits.

Some of our guests prefer not to consume alcohol at all, whereas others might wish to have a sundowner or two during our time together. Our stance is simple:  the priority will always be to ensure a safe and enjoyable group environment. So if some alcohol in moderation allows you to both relax and still be on form the following day, then there is no reason to restrict it.  

Sustainability is key to long-term health goals, which is why we take a balanced approach at our retreats and factor in all aspects of life and wellbeing. Just as we encourage people to engage in challenging activities and adventures, we also encourage people to find their comfort zone afterwards.

So in short, if you enjoy a wine or beer with dinner, we are not going to prevent that. When it’s openly embraced as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, a retreat can promote a sustainable way to incorporate all the elements of life and travel that you enjoy.

Hopefully this article has alleviated any fears that you may have had about joining your first wellness retreat or solo group trip! 

The myth that retreats are simply organised workouts and structured meals is just that - a myth. Our own retreats in particular emphasise finding a healthy lifestyle through movement, connection and exploration in a fun and supportive environment. So if you are considering a fitness retreat or an adventure holiday, rest assured that you can turn up alone and enjoy a life-changing experience alongside like-minded people.

Thinking of attending a retreat this summer? Join us at one of our upcoming adventures.