WildFitness - Kenya

Get out of the gym and take yourself to the white sands of Watamu beach in Kenya. Wildfitness courses combine personal fitness, health, education and fun. There are 9 day, 2 week or 5 week courses which will push you to your limits however fit you are and teach you how to look after your body and mind not just while in Kenya but when you get home too. These are active holidays which are life changing experiences for individuals who are looking for something more than the normal holiday experience.

Wildfitness represents a holistic approach to health, using intelligent training techniques to help guests rediscover their natural vitality, strength and agility. Body awareness is increased through postural, breathing and movement patterns, whilst allowing guests to unwind in a relaxed environment with a close connection with nature.

Training techniques are balanced between technical practices focusing on core strength in a closely supervised environment, and the wild, using the beach, sea, lakes, sand dunes and hills as a playful training ground. Physical, emotional and mental well being and recovery are also complemented by the very best in healthy nutrition, massage and other specific therapies.

Location
Situated on the Kenya coastline, Watamu is one of the top ten beaches in the world and is part of a UN biosphere reserve. Encompassing the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve with its multitude of interesting species, (including elephant and rare birdlife), the Wildfitness location spills onto the white sands of the Watamu Marine National Park with its clear Indian Ocean waters and coral reefs. Watamu is also home to the coastal Giriama tribe, whose traditional way of life has changed little in this remote coastal location. Wildfitness courses are integrated into the local environment and culture and at the same time contribute towards preserving them.

The Accommodation
Baraka House is a beautiful, beachfront, house in tune with nature. It has two flat roof terraces with panoramic views, comfortable communal areas and balconies over-looking the Indian Ocean. There are 5 large en suite twin bedrooms and, depending on the make up of the group, can be tastefully divided into individual sectors.

Physical Programme
The programme is active and functional and fun. Professional trainers with cutting edge expertise conduct the Wildfitness programme which includes swimming, running, weights, circuits, games and other imaginative outdoor activities. Deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kite surfing are some of the alternative activities that can be enjoyed amidst beautiful tropical scenery.

Relaxation is also an important part of wellbeing and we help to achieve this through massage, stretching and meditation. These together with the opportunity to chill out in stunning nature ensures that there is ample opportunity for your body to recover from the training that you do.

Nutrition
Whether your aim is to loose fat or gain muscle, or just to eat a fresh all round healthy diet, these programmes are designed to meet your needs. Using organic fresh local foods chefs produce creative and appetising meals. Lectures and practical sessions on nutrition and personalised advice help you to get a clear picture of what really is the best for you. Allergies and special dietary requirement and metabolic typing are all catered for.

Please note that the following itinerary is a sample only, each individual course will use this as a guide however it is subject to change as a result of the following factors, trainer expertise, group ability, weather, tides etc.

Day 1
Arrival - Initial session on the beach and in the sea to ease the muscles into use after the journey.
Introductory talks on Functional fitness – how to train to give core fitness and body intelligence.
Relaxation aromatherapy massage.
Sundowners on the panoramic roof at sunset, over looking the Indian Ocean.

Day 2
Early morning swim in the ocean.
Personalized assessment by one of our experts covering posture, speed, strength, endurance, flexibility and co-ordination from which your individual programme will be determined.
Yoga in the open sided beach hut.
Afternoon walk / wade to a perfect sand island for freshly squeezed juice.
Late afternoon beach/jungle circuit.

Day 3
Early morning Boxercise on the roof terrace.
Morning talks on metabolic typing (personalizing your diet) and hydration followed by a walk through the villages with our house staff to a tidal inlet for a 'swim against the tide'.
Afternoon kite flying on Watamu beach.
Late afternoon VO2 max (sprints using heart rate monitors) in a coconut clearing inland.
Evening sundowners on roof terrace.

Day 4
Early morning snorkelling - to the marine park opposite Baraka House.
Morning 'primal skills' session in the open air beach hut- pushing, lunging, twisting, throwing.
Practical recipe session - quick, delicious, healthy dishes.
Afternoon trip to the Arabuko Sokoke forest via Gede ruins and the butterfly farm.
Run / fast walk through the forest ending at a tree house for sundowners.

Day 5
A morning swim across Mida Creek, arrive on the far side of the creek in time for a delicious and well earned picnic lunch on a sand island. A long swim however safety boats always on hand.
Canoe in traditional fishing boats up the inlets & through the mangroves.
Motor boat back to Baraka House
Late afternoon strength circuit

Day 6
Early morning Karate session in open air beach hut over looking the ocean.
Morning skills session on training techniques, Swiss ball exercises, free weight training and other useful equipment use.
Talks on resistance/endurance training – how to optimise your training followed by a question & answer session
Lunch is a traditional African meal at an Eco reserve in a nearby village
Afternoon massage
Late afternoon VO2 Max (2) session
Sundown meditation on the roof top terrace whilst the sun sets over the forest.

Day 7
A lie-in today!
A later morning departure for Che-shale, situated amid sand dunes on remote golden beach, this is a Robinson Crusoe style celebrity get away with a wonderful restaurant for lunch.
On arrival, a heart rate monitoring discussion followed by sand dune interval session and stretching.
The rest of the day to be spent at leisure, relaxing on the beach, swimming across the bay or for the more energetic trying a Kitesurfing lesson (extra).
Return to Watamu in the early evening to when conservation experts on turtles, reef life and birds will join us for supper.

Day 8
Early morning Triathlon using the bays - running, swimming and canoeing.
Final assessments and go through personalized program to take home.
Talk on stretching techniques & yoga session.
Final master circuit - Kenya heat challenge!
Early evening quiz
Supper is a delicious barbecue on the beach with traditional African dancers.

Day 9
Early morning wading / swimming
Finalizing talk with discussion
Departure

Other activities and explorations can include - Football against the local team, dhow cruise to see the dolphins, volley ball, nights out in Malindi and a few surprises too!

Optional but extra activities include: Scuba-diving, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Deep-sea fishing and horse riding.

Remember, if you are very fit already you will be pushed and taken to another level, if you are a fitness beginner we will make sure you have all the support you need and that you have fun at your level – Wildfitness is for everyone!

Please contact us for further details.