Escape to Wellness: Get Fit With a Fitness Retreat

Fitness retreats offer more than just exercise. Discover the perks of these active getaways and how to choose one that suits your fitness goals and interests.  

When you think about a fitness retreat, you might think about sports camps for kids or pro-level training for elite athletes. But fitness camps are much more than that. They’re also great for people of all ages and fitness and skill levels. But what exactly is a fitness retreat?  

A fitness retreat is a vacation combined with focused training. Do you like the idea of spending a week in the sun working on your tennis or golf game? Or heading to the mountains for a yoga retreat? If so, you might want to work a fitness retreat into your next vacation plan.   

A deeper look at what fitness retreats offer 

Specialty fitness retreats are a chance to work with expert coaches, boost your fitness, and sharpen your skills. You’ll have to work, but you will also have plenty of chances to relax, recharge, and have fun with like-minded people.

Unlike a typical vacation where you might lounge more and work out less, a fitness retreat puts the focus on exercise. These retreats are about working toward your fitness goals and well-being. So, when deciding on a retreat, you’ll want to choose a fitness activity or sport that you enjoy.

Sports, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer, are a common type of fitness retreat. Often, they include drills and scrimmages, which help players to improve their skills and teamwork. They may also offer coaching from experienced players and coaches.

Not interested in team sports? Not a problem! Your fitness retreat options don’t end there. You can also find:

• Yoga and meditation retreats. If you’d like to become more flexible and centered, a yoga retreat might be for you. These retreats often offer yoga sessions, meditation, and holistic workshops. Meditation and mindfulness retreats are also a great way to enhance mental well-being. The idea is to leave feeling less stressed and with better mental clarity.
• Adventure fitness retreats. You can explore the beauty of nature while engaging in fun outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, or paddleboarding.
• Retreats that are catered to all kinds of persons and abilities. Some are designed for specific groups of people, such as women, individuals with special needs, and veterans. You can even find family-friendly retreats where parents and children can both join in on the fun.  

What you can expect 

When you join a fitness retreat, you can expect to be pushed to help you achieve your fitness goals. Here's what you’ll have to look forward to:

• Daily workouts: You’ll spend time on a physical activity each day. Whether you’re working with a coach or instructor, be prepared to be active for hours at a time. Some retreats even offer multiple activities each day. 
• Support from others: One great bonus of these retreats is that they allow you to bond with others who share your fitness interests. Plus, expert coaches can watch you and give feedback to help you improve your performance. Some offer private lessons or one-on-one instruction, too. 
• Boost in motivation: Fitness retreats offer an escape from your fitness routine. So, if you’ve been stuck in a fitness rut or are looking for something new and exciting, a fitness retreat may be the answer. It can help spark your motivation for months to come. 

Choosing the right fitness retreat for you  

With so many fitness retreats to choose from, how do you find the one that’s right for you? The key is to find one that not only brings you closer to your fitness goals but also provides an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

• Identify your goals. Are you looking to improve your skills, get active, or simply relax and de-stress? Think about what you’d like to get out of the retreat and find one that aligns with those goals.
• Consider your interests. Do you prefer yoga and meditation, or are you into more intense workouts? If it’s the latter, then you might want to choose a retreat with outdoor sports and more vigorous workouts.  
• Research the location. The setting of the retreat can greatly impact your experience. Maybe you prefer the beach to the mountains. Or maybe you don’t like being so far from home. Choose a retreat where you’ll not only enjoy the activity, but the location, too.  
• Look into your options. Check your state, city, or county parks and recreation departments for fitness retreats to see what they may offer. Or explore sports leagues at your local YMCA. You could even perform a quick internet search for “yoga retreats near me” or “hiking retreats near me.” 

Whatever you decide on, make sure to read reviews from past participants to get a sense of what to expect. Look for feedback on the retreat trainers, leaders, and instructors, as well as on the accommodations, food, and overall experience.  

Retreats can run anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. And prices vary. Many offer low-cost, simple lodging and meals. Be sure to do your background research before you choose to partake in a retreat. Before you apply, check the age range to make sure you qualify. Also, make sure you meet the level of fitness the camp requires. If you’re not sure, check with your doctor. You may also need to fill out a medical release or waiver to participate. 

Fitness retreats are a fun way to give yourself that extra push toward your fitness goals. They combine adventure and fitness, ensuring you’ll have a fun, active, and scenic vacation. Select a retreat that meets your goals and aligns with your interests for a great and fulfilling experience. 

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References

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Cahn, B. R., Goodman, M. S., Peterson, C. T., Maturi, R., & Mills, P. J. (2017). Yoga, meditation and mind-body health: Increased BDNF, cortisol awakening response, and altered inflammatory marker expression after a 3-month yoga and meditation retreat. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 315. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00315 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, December 22). Places to be physically active. https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/places/index.html  

Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013). A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for adults: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10, 135. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-10-135 

Hosford, B. (2016). 7 fitness investments that really pay off. American Council on Exercise. https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/6144/7-fitness-investments-that-really-pay-off  

Irwin, S. (2024, November 19). Fitness retreats and wellness vacations. Australian Institute of Fitness. https://fitness.edu.au/the-fitness-zone/fitness-retreats-and-wellness-vacations/  

United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2016). National veterans summer sports clinic. http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/ssc/index.asp   

YMCA. (n.d.). Sports & recreation. https://www.ymca.org/what-we-do/healthy-living/sports-recreation  

This article was written by Stephanie Ruiz, edited by Gail Olson, and clinically reviewed by Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD, MPH, PT, SCS, ATC, CSCS, CSPS, on June 17, 2025.