Amidst all my studying, I’m trying to still make time for things that are solely for myself. Not only is it important for my sanity in the middle of juggling all my responsibilities, but it’s also fun! This weekend, I attended the Movement by Michelob Ultra fitness festival at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. I first heard about the fitness festival in an e-mail announcement from my yoga studio, Y7, which was teaching one of the sessions at the festival. Normally, I am not quick to sign up for these types of things, but I had always wanted to see the property and wanted something fun to look forward to on my calendar.
Calamigos Ranch is up in the Santa Monica Mountains. The scenery is very indicative of California canyon landscape, and it reminded me a great deal of Laguna Canyon back home in Orange County. I wish I could have snapped a few pictures of the drive to share, but I attended the event by myself and had no one to take pictures while I drove. After valeting my car, I was immediately taken away with the beautiful grounds. One of the first things I did after checking in was walk around and explore. I even came across a few cows! However, I personally felt the ceremonial area was the most beautiful, and especially gorgeous for a wedding. I will be sure to remember this place when the time comes for myself because the shaded grassy area and twinkle lit trees were absolutely breathtaking. I was even a little disappointed to leave the serene area for the start of the event! On the main lawn, the couple hundred guests in attendance sat on yoga mats in front of a stage. We began with some motivational speeches by top notch coaches and Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings before moving on to a sound bath and the warm up. Although I did enjoy the sound bath, I have to admit that I was extremely uncomfortable in the heat. I have very fair skin, and even with sunblock, I simply cannot be in direct sunlight for too long before I need a break. I had reapplied my sunblock before the first event even started, and I still got sunburnt! However, I was very excited to move on to the first event. Prior to the festival, we had to choose 4 workouts/recovery events among a much larger list of activities to participate in. I chose Y7 yoga for my first event because of how much I love my home yoga studio, and I was very excited to see one of my favorite instructors, Samantha Deutchman, lead the day’s practice. It feels good to be back at yoga. I have been dealing with a wrist injury for years, and now that I have finally addressed it, I am able to practice yoga much more consistently than I ever have before.
After the first session, I moved on to the Gloveworx boxing session. I took a boxing class before at BoxUnion on Robertson, but I never quite fell in love with it as much as I wish I would have. I decided to sign up for the Gloveworx session because I thought a different boxing place might change my opinion on the workout. I am so glad I gave this place a chance because I loved every second of the workout. We started with a group warm up to learn some of the motions before separating into smaller rotating groups to focus on cardio, punches, and strength. My favorite station was when we practiced different types of punches with an instructor. I am looking forward to checking out their flagship studio in Santa Monica or their other LA location at the Century City Mall.
After my workout sessions, I had signed up for two recovery sessions. However, after being in the sun for about four hours and having not eaten since breakfast, my body could not take it anymore, and I decided to leave early. I had such a fun day that I wanted to end on a high note, especially since I wanted to nurse my sunburn and head off any hangry thoughts! I had never been to a fitness festival before and had no idea what to expect. I loved every second of it, and I didn’t even take advantage of all the opportunities there. There were so many other fitness activities, including training and spin classes. Later in the day, there was even going to be a pool party! I also can’t forget about the beer! The event was put on by Michelob Ultra, and there was plenty of beer available. However since I was driving home, I chose not to drink. The next time I attend a fitness event of this caliber, I will be sure to be more prepared and pack food. I met so many nice people that also live in LA, and I will likely meet up with them to work out together. What started as just something to look forward to on my calendar turned into one of the best days of my summer. I am looking forward to my next fitness festival and will be sure to keep doing more things for myself.
xx
Emily
