What an incredible way to kick off the new year! I recently had one of the most remarkable experiences imaginable, sharing every moment with my amazing bestie, Davida. Together, we embarked on a week-long journey at Wellfit Malibu, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Malibu, California. Our seven days were a perfect blend of delicious, wholesome food, exhilarating hikes, intense workouts, and an abundance of laughter. The excitement grew even more when Amanda from Run to the Finish walked through the door on our first day. We had no idea any other bloggers would be staying at Wellfit during our week, but it was truly friendship at first sight. Literally!
Before diving into the details of my unforgettable week, I want to extend a massive shoutout to Davida for creating an awesome video capturing the essence of our trip (you’ll find it further down!). It’s incredibly special to have these cherished moments preserved on camera. Secondly, a heartfelt and huge thank you goes out to Wellfit Malibu for providing such an extraordinary experience. There’s no other way I would have rather spent the inaugural week of 2016!
Discovering Wellfit Malibu: A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Wellfit Malibu stands out as a premier fitness and weight loss resort, expertly blending invigorating outdoor activities, targeted exercise, healthy eating principles, and comprehensive wellness education. Its core mission is to empower guests to cultivate sustainable healthy habits that extend far beyond their stay. The structured program runs seamlessly from Sunday to Sunday, ensuring a packed schedule of engaging and beneficial activities. While many guests opt for a transformative week-long immersion, some choose to extend their journey for up to seven weeks, demonstrating the profound impact of the program.
What truly sets Wellfit apart is its holistic philosophy. It’s not solely focused on weight loss, but rather on equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to integrate lasting healthy habits into their everyday lives. For highly active individuals like myself, Davida, and Amanda, who didn’t necessarily need to lose weight, a week at Wellfit served as an exceptional way to reset, recharge, and reinforce positive lifestyle choices. I can honestly say I’ve never consumed so many vibrant vegetables in my entire life – a testament to their nutrient-rich meal plans!
Wellfit’s strength lies in its emphasis on creating enduring wellness through practical, manageable changes. These aren’t drastic overhauls, but rather intelligent, simple switches that can significantly impact daily routines. Think about the benefits of swapping white rice for brown rice at dinner, or understanding the superior efficiency of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) compared to steady-state cardio. These insights resonated deeply with me. But beyond the curriculum, what truly left me impressed was the incredible staff. Every single person I encountered there, from the enthusiastic hiking guides to the knowledgeable Registered Dietitian and the motivating trainers, exuded genuine authenticity and infectious positivity. Their passion for what they do is palpable and shines brightly through every aspect of the program, making the experience truly enriching and enjoyable.
The Stunning Wellfit Property: A Sanctuary in Malibu
Before delving into the specifics of my daily adventures, I must highlight the spectacular Wellfit property itself. It’s seamlessly integrated into the sprawling Calimigos Ranch in Malibu, California, an expansive estate spanning over 100 acres. This magnificent ranch is also home to a handful of other unique businesses and attractions. Randy, the general manager, gave us an enlightening property tour, which was genuinely fascinating. The acclaimed Malibu Cafe, known for its delectable offerings and charming ambiance, is conveniently located right next door. Furthermore, an adorable boutique hotel sits just down the road – a place Davida has already declared as her future wedding venue! So, it seems a return visit might be in the cards one day. The ranch also boasts a rich history as a filming location for various movies and TV series, including “STRONG” and “Wet Hot American Summer.” How cool is that? Seriously, my life goal has officially been updated: own a 100-acre ranch in Malibu!
Embracing Nature: The Unparalleled Hiking Experience in Malibu
If you’ve never experienced hiking in Malibu, consider this your urgent call to action. It is an absolute must-do! The region boasts dozens of breathtaking trailheads, all within a 30-minute drive of Wellfit Malibu, leading you deep into the majestic Santa Monica Mountain Range. For me, this was undeniably the crowning glory of the entire trip. If I had the opportunity to hike or trail run every single day, I would do it without hesitation – and you know I’m not even a fan of traditional running! Hiking offers a unique trifecta of benefits: it’s an incredible full-body workout, a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, and an immersive way to enjoy the great outdoors, all simultaneously. This experience solidified another life goal for me: to live near a trailhead.
Among the many trails we explored, some of my favorites included China Flat Trail Head, Simi Peak Trail, Zuma Ridge, and the challenging Boney Mountain Trail. Thanks to El Nino, our hiking schedule was somewhat curtailed, limiting us to four out of six days due to torrential rain and localized flooding. On a lighter note, I have to comment on the Californians’ reaction to the weather! Temperatures were in the low 50s, and people were bundled up in what looked like full-on snowsuits – okay, maybe not actual snowsuits, but they were certainly complaining about how “FREEZING” it was. Honestly, folks, don’t even get me started. I would happily take 50 degrees in January any day of the week, especially coming from colder climates!
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention a truly momentous occasion: I saw Caitlyn Jenner’s house! Well, not really, but I’m definitely going to tell everyone I did. Some things are just too good to pass up!
Nourishing Your Body: The Wellfit Culinary Experience
Reflecting on my usual eating habits, I had to admit to myself that I don’t consume nearly enough vegetables. Furthermore, I realized that a significant portion of my diet typically consisted of carbohydrates. Having a dedicated team meticulously prepare all your meals and snacks for an entire week offers an invaluable perspective. It truly helps you understand what a genuinely balanced diet entails and how much nutrient-dense food you can actually consume while still feeling light and energized. The meal program at Wellfit is expertly designed to provide around 1,500 calories per day, though it’s thoughtfully tailored to individual health goals and needs.
Each day, guests are served three wholesome meals, complemented by nourishing snacks, and even a delightful after-dinner dessert. For active individuals like Davida, Amanda, and myself, who maintain a high level of physical activity and didn’t have weight loss as a primary goal, we were encouraged to increase our caloric intake. This meant adding extra snacks and larger portions at each meal, ensuring our bodies were adequately fueled for the demanding daily schedule. I was pleasantly surprised by the substantial amount of lean protein in the meals, which aligns perfectly with my dietary preferences. A fantastic aspect of the Wellfit dining experience is the flexibility; if something on the menu doesn’t appeal to you or if you have specific dietary requirements, alternative options are readily available, ensuring everyone’s needs are met.
My breakfast routine remained fairly consistent throughout the week: two slices of Ezekiel toast generously topped with almond butter and banana – a perfect start to an active day. Lunches and dinners offered more variety, always accompanied by a fresh soup and salad bar, allowing for customization. For my snacks, I gravitated towards hard-boiled eggs, a mix of nuts, fresh fruit, and, of course, more nut butter. We also discovered their incredible “bunch of balls,” which quickly became our absolute favorite mid-hike snack – perfectly portable and packed with energy, obviously!
Dynamic Workouts for Every Body at Wellfit
All I can say is, “holy workouts!” At Wellfit, your day is a continuous cycle of “GO, GO, GO,” which is precisely the pace I thrive on. I absolutely loved that the exercise program was meticulously designed to incorporate both strength training and cardiovascular conditioning, providing a comprehensive fitness regimen. The sheer variety of classes offered was incredibly refreshing and kept every session exciting and challenging. We’re talking about everything from high-energy HIIT cardio sessions and circuit training to empowering kickboxing classes and more. I made a point to try everything, including the aqua fit class, which, as it turns out, I’m not particularly skilled at! I only attempted that lively session once, but it was an experience nonetheless.
Surprisingly, my absolute favorite fitness class of the entire week was Zumba, which, under the guidance of our incredible instructor, Derrick, often evolved into a vibrant hip-hop dance party. Derrick is absolutely amazing, and I genuinely aspire to have his energy and passion when I grow up! I honestly have never had more fun working out in my entire life. If you do watch the fantastic video Davida created, make sure to check out the very last part – we even put together a little music video!
For someone like me, who didn’t necessarily need to lose weight, the sheer volume of workouts at Wellfit was substantial. In addition to a rigorous 2-3 hour hike each day, there were typically 2-3 additional fitness classes offered. And let me tell you, they don’t mess around in these classes! The instructors push you, motivate you, and ensure you get the most out of every session. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every single workout. Group fitness is absolutely my jam; I thrive on the collective energy and motivation that comes from exercising alongside others. Davida and I were definitely the “woo girls” of the group, always bringing positive energy and encouragement, but always in good spirit!
On a related note, I actually shared a workout last week that was directly inspired by my time at Wellfit Malibu. I was particularly impressed by the framework of their HIIT classes, so I adapted a few elements to create a dynamic routine using only a piece of cardio equipment and dumbbells. You can check it out here: Cardio + Strength Interval HIIT Workout.
The Wellfit Community and Lasting Impressions
Beyond the hikes, the healthy food, and the intense workouts, one of the most enriching aspects of my Wellfit Malibu experience was the sense of community. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed into a supportive and encouraging environment where guests and staff alike shared a common goal: holistic wellness. Forming connections with Davida, Amanda, and other guests created a camaraderie that made every challenge feel surmountable and every triumph more meaningful. Sharing meals, pushing through tough workouts, and laughing on the trails fostered bonds that truly made the week special.
The overall impact of my time at Wellfit was profound. It wasn’t just a fitness vacation; it was a comprehensive reset and a powerful reaffirmation of a healthy lifestyle. I returned home with renewed motivation, a deeper understanding of nutrition, and an even greater appreciation for physical activity, especially outdoor adventures. The sustainable healthy habits taught at Wellfit aren’t just theoretical; they are practical, adaptable principles designed to seamlessly integrate into daily life. This transformative experience truly set the tone for a year focused on well-being and vibrant living.
Experience Wellfit Malibu Visually: Our Adventure Captured!
You absolutely won’t want to miss this! Davida’s incredible video offers an exclusive, inside look into our entire Wellfit Malibu experience. It perfectly captures the fun, the challenges, and the camaraderie of our week. Plus, make sure to stick around for the end – there’s a fantastic music video that perfectly encapsulates our joyful spirit!
An Exclusive Opportunity: Win Your Own Wellfit Malibu Getaway!
Davida, Amanda, and I are absolutely thrilled to offer one lucky reader the chance to experience the magic of Wellfit Malibu for themselves! We’re hosting an exclusive giveaway for a week-long stay at this incredible wellness resort. Imagine immersing yourself in a week of focused wellness, fitness, and delicious, healthy food, all set against the stunning backdrop of Malibu. This is your opportunity to kickstart your own journey towards sustainable health and happiness!
Check out the details below on how to enter for your chance to win. GOOD LUCK!
Value: An incredible $2,595
Includes:
- 7 nights in a private, comfortable cabin
- All nourishing meals thoughtfully prepared to support your wellness goals
- Access to a wide variety of dynamic fitness classes
- Engaging nutrition classes designed to educate and empower
- Daily invigorating hikes through the beautiful Malibu landscape
As an added bonus, TLC Limousine is generously providing round-trip transportation for the winner from LAX, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey to and from Wellfit Malibu!
*Note: Airfare to California is not included in the prize package.
How to Enter for Your Chance to Win:
- On Instagram, Facebook, or your personal blog, share a photo that thoughtfully answers the following question: “Why wellness matters to me?” Make sure to use the official hashtag #WellnessThatFitsYou on both Facebook and Instagram to ensure your entry is seen.
- In your post, remember to tag or link to all three of us: @RunToTheFinish, @Thehealthymaven, and @fitfoodiefinds. This helps us track all the wonderful entries!
- To gain a deeper understanding of the Wellfit Malibu experience and articulate why a week there would be perfect for you, we encourage you to read the detailed recaps provided by The Healthy Maven and Run to the Finish. Let your story truly shine!
- After you’ve crafted and shared your entry, come back to this post and drop a direct link to your submission in the comments section below.
- Entries will officially close on February 1st. The lucky winner will be announced shortly thereafter on February 5th. Good luck to all participants – we can’t wait to read your stories!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This post is proudly sponsored by Wellfit Malibu. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience. Thank you for continually supporting Fit Foodie Finds!