How to Prepare for a Weight Loss Resort
So you’ve made the decision, booked the stay, and feel excited about your trip to a weight loss resort—and you should! Before you can leave, though, there’s one last thing: preparing.
Preparation is not the most exciting part of traveling, but it’s essential to the success of your stay. To help with the process, we’ve come up with a list that will help you get ready for a weight loss resort.
Know the Program
There are a few things you should know about your chosen destination. Each resort has its own procedures, and knowing what to expect from yours will help you plan accordingly.
Resort Schedule
Start by getting a daily or weekly schedule ahead of time.
What will the meals be like? Some resorts offer a full menu, others only have vegetarian or vegan options, and still others focus on juices or cleanses. Once you know the menu, consider any other nutritional needs. Ask your resort staff whether they allow outside food or drink; some places do not, and knowing beforehand will save you the trouble of finding out when you arrive.
Aside from food, what’s the physical activity like? Are there organized or independent options? What type of facilities are available? These are likely factors you already considered when choosing your weight loss resort, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for more detail. Having the specifics for the dates of your stay is the easiest way to ensure you bring all the right gear.
What’s Included?
Ask about the services available at your resort. Some say they’re “all-inclusive,” but what that means will vary by location. Spa services, massages, and fitness offerings might be part of your programming or only available for an extra cost, but your resort staff will be able to tell you.
Go Shopping
Whether this is your first time at a fitness resort or you’ve been going for years, chances are good that you’ll need to buy a few supplies. (Good thing you asked for your resort’s schedule so you know what to expect, right?)
Clothing
Unpredictable as it is, the weather plays a big role in your attire. Check the forecast for your stay, and then prepare as much as possible. Will you need waterproof gear? Layers? Whatever you need, make sure you have enough—depending on the length of your stay, you may need to do laundry (if possible) or figure on rewearing your clothes.
If you don’t know what to expect for your FitStay experience, prioritize your comfort: bring clothes you like and feel best in. Activewear is made for movement with spandex and other stretchy materials, making it perfect for exercise or all-day wear. And with the limitless possibilities of colors and styles, you’ll have no trouble finding something to suit your fashion sense.
Shoes
Arguably the most important item you’ll bring, the right shoes will make a huge difference in your activities. Tennis shoes for jogging, sturdier shoes for hiking, or casual sandals for downtime—you might need them all. In any case, it wouldn’t hurt to bring an extra pair so you’re prepared if one gets wet or doesn’t work for what you’ll be doing. Taking care of your feet will go a long way toward helping you get the most out of your stay.
Extras
Think about what you like to use when you work out at home: a certain alarm clock to get you up in the morning, a great pair of headphones, or a fitness band to track your activity levels. Whatever motivates you and helps you exercise will be just as important at your weight loss resort as it would be anywhere else.
Aside from your own gear, there are a few other basics to consider. (This is where your resort schedule will come in handy again.) Items like sunscreen, bug spray, ibuprofen, and swimwear could easily be appropriate based on what you’ll be doing. If you don’t think you’ll have room for everything, ask your resort staff if they keep any of these basic items on hand. Many places do, and will be happy to get you what you need.
Get Packing
Now that you’ve compiled your gear, it’s time to get everything in a suitcase. If your trip requires a flight, consider your options for a checked bag versus a carry-on. There are regulations for each one that will affect how you pack (especially when it comes to liquids).
Bring enough clothes to be comfortable during your stay: that includes workout gear, casual attire, sleepwear, and shoes for all the above. Seem like too much for your suitcase? Check out some tips on how to effectively pack your bag. The key is to make efficient use of all the space you have.
Mentally Prepare
Most importantly, when staying at a weight loss resort, make sure you’re mentally ready to go. Mindset is everything: none of those supplies you spent time finding and packing will be very helpful unless you’re determined to make the most of your stay.
Find a motivational phrase or saying that inspires you, and then have it on repeat in your mind leading up to your trip. Better yet, write it down and keep it where you’ll see it often.
Then, think of an activity that you enjoy—getting your nails done, making/having a really great meal, seeing a new movie, etc.—and make time for it before you go. Doing things that make you feel good about yourself is one of the best ways to prepare for a weight loss resort.
And don’t forget about your support system! Talk to your friends, family, and loved ones about what you’re doing and why. If they know where you’re coming from and where you’re going, they’re sure to help you along on the journey.
With that, all that’s left is to enjoy your FitStay!