Celebrity Boot Camp

This past January, I went to the Ashram, this famed super intense healthy vegan boot camp just outside of LA in Calabasas known of regular guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Cindy Crawford, etc. There have been flocks of celebrities that have attended this camp and some of which did not last the entire weak. I figured, this was the best way to start off 2009! With a waiting list of over 300 guests, you have to book on average one-year in advance. Each week, they take on 12 guests, prepared to get beaten down, re-energized, lose 5-15lbs and walk away with new friends and perhaps a new way of living. When I showed up, 8 of the 12 guests were return guests, some who have attended the Ashram annually for over 10 years!

The place was founded by two Swedish women in the 1970’s Dr. Anne Marie Bennstrom, who invented the Thigh Master made famous by Suzanne Sommers.

Actually you can use the Casall pilates ring in the same way by placing it between your inner thighs…great to do while watching your favorite TV show!

The Ashram is run day-to-day by Cat Hedberg, a vivacious Swedish woman who immediately makes you feel at home when you meet her. With 12 guest per week, for 364 weeks a year, it’s incredible that she remembers everyone’s name and personal story. Cat is the common link that makes everyone feel part of the Ashram family. The 6-day week is super intense and here is a typical day at the Ashram:

5:30 wake up

6:00 start yoga in darkness and watch the sun rise

7:30 breakfast (usually Ezekiel sprouted organic cereal with home-made hemp milk)

8:30 hike for about 15 miles with lots of up-hill climbs (snack is usually 3 almonds and 1 prune)

13:00 lunch (soy bean sprouts, arugula, avocado salad with manna bread)

14:00 one of massage

15:00 water aerobics

16:00 weights and resistance training

17:00 Core training, Lotte Burke method

18:00 Evening restorative yoga

19:30 Dinner (zucchini chopped in slices with vegetable stew)

20:00 Meditation or just hang out with other guests

21:00 Bedtime

The entire week is mostly organic vegan and after I have returned, I have maintained the nutritional values that I learned from the Ashram. I have most given up red meat, ex the occasional Chinese home-made dumplings or steak tartar. I am much more conscientious of consuming highly nutrient dense foods like anything that is sprouted. And the daily 15 mile hikes?...not so much…

I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for an INTENSE jump-start on a healthy lifestyle. My favorite Ashram moment? Not being a morning person at all, 5am yoga on day 5 watching the sun rise and feeling lighter, more toned and energized!