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Like so many others, I commenced the New Year with the same old resolutions; to lose weight and improve my fitness level. However, from past experience, I knew that if I didn’t receive appropriate help and support this time, I would once again fail to reach my objectives.
Following countless searches on the internet for a suitable ‘weight loss and fitness’ break, I came across the Renaissance Retreat web site. I was immediately encouraged by their holistic and healthy approach to weight loss. After long discussions with my family, where I painfully acknowledged that my excess weight and poor fitness levels were in fact ruining the quality of my life, I decided to take full advantage of the 8 week programme. This meant that the new bathroom project I had been saving so hard for would need to go on hold. My health and quality of life were more important!
After several reassuring telephone conversations and emails with Fionnuala (Fi) at Renaissance and a shopping trip to get comfortable trainers, T shirts and jogging bottoms, I was finally on my way. As arranged, Fi was waiting to collect me from the airport and during the drive to the Retreat; she was able to put a ‘very anxious me’ at ease. The Renaissance Retreat is a very attractive, immaculately clean and spacious Spanish villa. The grounds are nicely landscaped and private.
On arrival I was greeted by 2 other guests who quickly became very dear friends. Not only did we share a common goal but we were able to empathise with each other, grumble about our aches and pains, laugh about our cravings for chocolate, sticky buns and all things ‘bad’, whilst providing each other with encouragement and support to help achieve our goals.
The day after arrival, guests meet with the Retreat’s doctor, are weighed and measured, then undertake a fitness assessment. Far from being a ‘stressful’ experience, this initial process went a great way to reassuring me that I had absolutely come to the right place! I immediately understood that I was being cared for by a team of professionals who wanted to ensure that the health and fitness programme was tailored to meet my individual needs.
The food is wonderful! Both Fi and Paul are excellent cooks, and have an impressive understanding of nutrition. The menus are varied and follow ‘food combination’ rules. During my stay I had 3 one-to-one meetings to specifically prepare me for life back home. With help, I was able to identify the factors that had contributed to my weight gain and poor fitness levels. Through discussion, a realistic plan evolved showing how I could introduce positive changes to my daily routine. I was also grateful to receive advice from the physiotherapist regarding my posture at the work’s computer and some useful exercises to help minimise the risks of RSI.
My time at the Renaissance Retreat has not all been about fitness and diet. Each week we have been taken to the local cinema, visited places of interest and enjoyed some meals out. By the end of my stay I am thrilled to report that I managed to lose 28 pounds and feel fitter than I’ve been for almost 2 decades!
Thank you to Fi, Paul and their excellent team.
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