Group Fitness Motivates Guests

The Oaks at Ojai, a destination spa with an emphasis on exercise, focuses on group classes to keep guests moving.

Located just northeast of Los Angeles in the artsy town of Ojai, Calif., The Oaks at Ojai is a destination spa with an emphasis on fitness and nutrition. Guests typically stay from three to seven days, and attend fitness classes and eat healthy meals as part of the program. The facility focuses on group exercise, with daily walks and hikes, and a multitude of classes.

Established in 1977, the spa caters to "women going up the corporate ladder," according to Founder/Owner Sheila Cluff, although men are also welcome. Guests are there to get or stay healthy, not become "fitness buffs," Cluff says. Staff members educate, encourage and motivate, and don't push anyone too hard. Says Cluff, "the idea is to teach guests how to take these fitness and nutrition concepts home and make it part of their lives." Staff members conduct "lifestyle interviews" with guests to help them create fitness and nutrition programs.

A typical day at the spa includes a morning hike or walk, breakfast (all meals are low-calorie), a variety of group classes on the hour and half-hour (different classes are offered every day), a snack break, more classes, lunch, more classes, a snack break, some down-time and then dinner. After dinner there are educational lectures, entertainment or a wind-down class such as yoga. Special classes are offered during the spa's 15 theme weeks, such as for tennis, golf, yoga and NIA.

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