What makes us Stronger?

Each week we are told by our guests that they want to get 'Stronger'. What makes us stronger? Most of our guests here at Desert Cliffs stay at our spa for an average of 1 to 2 weeks, and in that time they are able to become stronger not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.

 PHYSICALLY... While at Desert Cliffs, our guests will push their bodies farther than they thought they could, because when they are hiking, there really is no other option than to finish the hike. We do not have to take our guests to the gym, because the outdoors can give us every thing the gym does plus more. Our interval hikes can be highly sophisticated and structured and designed for each hiker based upon his or her level of fitness. Interval training works both the aerobic and the anaerobic system, and as a result the body is using oxygen to convert stored carbohydrates into energy, and our guests are able to eventually hike at a higher intensity for a longer period of time before fatigue or pain slows them down, therefore becoming physically stronger.

MENTALLY... Our guests hike for a longer duration and a higher intensity than they are usually used to, and this increased activity done outdoors will do wonders on their mental health. During strenuous physical activity the brain releases endorphins, and when these endorphins are released, they cause a sense of well-being. This release, in turn, results in reduced stress and anxiety and an overall improvement in mood. The mind is a powerful thing, and while we are out hiking with our guests, many times they tell us that they think that they have hit their limit, and when we can help them get through a little more, they realize that they have mentally been holding themselves back. Many of our guests come to our spa and go home and sign up for a race, a hike, a rock climbing trip, a bike ride, or an excursion that they never imagined themselves doing because they accomplished more than they thought possible with us, and became mentally stronger.

EMOTIONALLY... We have many different personalities that come to our Spa, and not all personalities mesh, but the one thing that we see on the mountain is that our guests begin to express their frustrations, disappointments, anger, and negative energy in a positive way. While on a hike, our guests are helping each other through some tough spots, whether it is a guest who is afraid of heights, or a guest who is unsure of their footing, the comradery from the group is a feeling of support and acceptance. Hiking is a positive experience, and there is an energy that is felt among everyone, and this improves self confidence, self-esteem, and usually gives us better insight resulting in becoming stronger emotionally.

So, does hitting our breaking point make us stronger?.....YES it does!!