I visited the fitness camp that’s loved by A-listers – and it’s just opened a UK site
I’M confused. The morning’s programme at The Body Camp says “fitness fun”, but all I’m seeing is a tub of ice-cold water.
After a frankly laughable first attempt, I soon realise the secret is to plunge in without thinking.
“If I can do three rounds in an ice bath, I can do anything in life,” was the mantra that coach Anthony later urged us to recite.
This focus on mental wellbeing is what really surprised me about my long weekend in the country on the Somerset/Wiltshire border.
After all, the name The Body Camp conjures up ideas of strenuous exercise classes and celery-centric meals. And it’s not just the name that’s given me that impression either.
Toned and tanned celebs from singer Rochelle Humes and ex Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh to TV host Lisa Snowdon and presenter couple Emma and Matt Willis have all flocked to the Ibiza resort.
So with something that has attracted such an A-list fan base, I was expecting hardcore fitness throughout.
With retreats in Ibiza and Majorca, The Body Camp has now come to the UK, offering Big Weekends to give a taste of what they offer.
And the UK resort has already attracted some celeb faces to its tranquil setting, including ITV presenter Josie Gibson.
If it’s good enough for these stars, then it’s good enough for me.
Arriving on Friday afternoon, we are literally thrown in at the deep end at a pool party.
The heart-pounding games in the heated pool were perfect for breaking the ice with fellow guests, before chilling in the Jacuzzi and bonding over our first healthy meal.
Speaking of ice, it’s barely past 7am on Saturday morning when the cold-water pods beckon, those one-minute plunges mixed in with lengths of the pool and quick high-impact exercises to warm us up again.
There are plenty more fitness sessions to come, but despite all the squats, lunges, crunches and burpees, each session is pure fun – and soundtracked by banging pop classics.
Even military-fitness-style circuits and boxing classes are hugely enjoyable thanks to Anthony’s banter and the rousing support of my new friends, consisting of couples, pals and solo travellers of all ages, shapes and gender.
If this all sounds too much, gentle yoga and stretch classes offer a welcome comedown, while the afternoons allow plenty of downtime for reading in the sun-flooded lounge, country strolls or enjoying the spa area.
It’s in the evenings that our brains are put into action, though, with Ant taking us through techniques from The Body Camp’s enlightening and well-researched Inner Technology manual.
We’re gently encouraged to face our negative thoughts and self-imposed limitations before being taught how to reframe them into positive statements and intentions.
One powerful session involved writing a letter to ourselves to open in six months, detailing how our lives will have changed as a result of this experience – again, this is far from your standard influencer-focused bootcamp.
With body and mind soothed, what about the stomach? Unsurprisingly, the food is spectacular.
Chefs Ben and Kelly are pros at whipping up stellar plant-based dishes.
Breakfasts include homemade baked beans on toast with guacamole and berry-packed overnight oats, while lunch and dinners feature spicy lentil dahl with black rice, rice bowls with fresh vegetables and flavoursome stews.
Likewise, the accommodation is very special – an immaculate house on the Hesdin Estate near Westbury, with beautifully furnished rooms, outdoor space, and friendly farm animals to feed.
My time at The Body Camp was invigorating, life-affirming and – who knew – fun.
GO: THE BODY CAMP UK
The Body Camp Big Weekends UK run throughout July, September and October and cost from £995pp, but there is currently 20 per cent off bookings.
The price includes all meals, activities, accommodation and evening entertainment.
Those keen for some sun can book The Body Camp Mallorca has availability for September 13 – 20 with packages from £1,480pp for the weekend including the 20 per cent discount.
See thebodycamp.com.