Losing weight can be a struggle. Between finding the motivation to exercise and finding the time to plan meals, you could have trouble even knowing where to start. That’s where a wellness retreat like The Biggest Loser Resort Niagara comes in. Instead of pushing your body to the brink on live TV, you’ll learn smart, healthy habits that can carry you through the rest of your life.

We talked to Sandy Schoellkopf, executive vice president of marketing for The Biggest Loser Resort Niagara in Java Center, NY, about what it’s like to spend a week in the program inspired by the hit TV show.

How it Works

Although there can be anywhere from 10 to 50 people in the program each week, there’s no boilerplate approach here. 

“Our program is tailored to adjust to all fitness levels and dietary needs,” Schoellkopf says. “While there are core exercise and nutrition components throughout the program, we do adjust according to each guest’s physical and health status.”

The program was carefully designed by a team of trainers, nutritionists, dietitians, life coaches, and counselors to address all of the obstacles that people face on the path to health. That means more than just the physical barriers, but emotional and nutritional ones, too. Whether you want to lose weight, learn better nutrition, or simply jump-start your fitness routine, this is the place for you, she says.

Sports, Sweat, and the Great Outdoors

Each day starts with a group hike around the 300-acre property, which features pine forests, three lakes, and a hotel that can host up to 250 guests. Then it’s on to workouts inspired by The Biggest Loser TV show. 

Trainers eschew the monotony of seemingly endless treadmill runs in favor of engaging classes. There’s kickboxing or circuit training in the gym, and aerobics in the brand-new indoor aquatic center.

At the day’s end, you can reward yourself with an aromatherapy massage in the spa or simply relax in your room. For fun activities that also help you get fit, play tennis or volleyball or borrow a rowboat to paddle around the lakes.

Fueling Up with the Right Stuff

Nutrition is an important part of the program. The Biggest Loser diet includes three healthy meals a day, plus two snacks and a dessert. Each meal features locally sourced ingredients “in just the right nutritious balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats,” Schoellkopf says.

You’ll even get the chance to learn how to make foods like granola bars and steak-and-feta pizza from chefs in the resort’s new demonstration kitchen.

“[It] teaches guests how to create healthy meals and snacks at home, along with other healthy food-preparation tips,” she adds.

Knowledge is Power

Between fitness sessions and meals, you’ll take part in seminars aimed at helping you maintain your new healthy lifestyle after you leave The Biggest Loser Resort Niagara.

“Our education series covers the areas guests need to make smart choices and achieve results through topics such as portion control, product-label reading, menu planning, intuitive eating, and strategies for sustainable weight loss,” Schoellkopf says.

During a weeklong stay at the resort, a woman may lose 4–10 pounds and a man may lose 5–15 pounds. But the goal here is not merely to change the numbers on the scale.

“If you get healthy, you’ll lose weight—not the other way around," she says.