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Recharge your fitness and step into Bhutan with iFIT Trainer Casey Gilbert and iFIT Guide Kenton Cool. Hike and jog to better health and peace of mind in Bhutan: The Journey Within.
This new iFIT series combines majestic landscapes nestled amidst the Himalayas, rich culture, and a deep sense of calm thanks to Gross National Happiness, the legislative philosophy that makes Bhutan a haven where well-being and spiritual harmony reign supreme.
We also got the scoop from Casey about his experience filming this series and his expert tips on maximizing your workouts and making this journey as fulfilling as possible.
And be sure to check out the iFIT Shop from November 1 - 30 to purchase an exclusive, Bhutan-inspired t-shirt, towel, and performance shirt so you can show off your hard work after completing this series. Items purchased are estimated to ship by December 31, 2023.
Read on to learn more, and let’s explore the last Shangri-La together!
Bhutan: The Journey Within features 10 hikes with iFIT Guide Kenton Cool, and interval jogs with iFIT Trainer Casey Gilbert, offering a balance of effort and active recovery.
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Bhutan whispers tales of ancient monarchs and sacred rituals. Here, lush valleys and snow-capped peaks contrast with ornate monasteries and ancient fortresses.
Stepping into Bhutan is like turning the pages of a living history book, where each chapter reveals a culture deeply rooted in Buddhist principles and harmony with nature.
Casey: “Bhutan was an incredibly eye-opening journey for both Kenton and me. We let our guard down and tried to be fully open to experiencing the culture and ethos of Gross National Happiness. He and I have both been focused on our careers and pursuing “success” in a way that sometimes might not prioritize happiness first. But for an entire country to measure success based on happiness first was inspiring! iFIT members will have a firsthand view of how Kenton and I dove into what Bhutan’s philosophies meant to them, and how they impacted us. We designed the journey to be just that, a JOURNEY. It became an emotional and physical trek through one of the most unique places we had ever experienced, and I truly will never forget the experience.”
Casey: “For this series, it’s all in the HIPS! I would advise our iFIT members to focus on hip mobility and stability before this series or between workouts. We will encounter a lot of climbing, and the elevation adds up. Hip mobility, ankle and foot strength, and endurance will be key. So don’t be afraid to take some time to loosen up before hopping on your machine, and just be happy you’re not doing the series at the elevation we were. Most of Bhutan is at or above 10,000 feet above sea level, and you’ll probably notice that I’m a bit more winded than usual in this series!”
Kenton: “Gross National Happiness influenced every footstep, movement, and interaction that I and the entire iFIT team had. The Bhutanese people are much more open to collaboration, community, conversation, and sharing what they have, both materialistically and spiritually, with those around them. Whether you are an adventure tourist visiting sites like Tiger’s Nest or, like us, going off the beaten track, interacting with monks, and going up to remote villages, Gross National Happiness is constantly there in a subtle and enveloping manner. We came back as elevated individuals, walking a little bit taller, more grounded, more grateful, and more humble for what we had experienced. I hope this series brings you a sense of serenity and maybe influences you to one day travel to Bhutan, and immerse yourself in this ancient philosophy.”
Kenton: “[Bhutan: The Journey Within] uniquely combines the Bhutanese Himalayas’ beauty, culture, and spiritual heritage. It’s a departure from the norm, offering a glimpse into a life less focused on the material and more on deeper, often overlooked aspects of existence. It invites reflection on personal purpose and life meaning, sparking questions that viewers will be compelled to explore. This series, blending ancient philosophy and rich landscapes with physical well-being, aims to offer a comprehensive transformation that extends beyond the physical into the spiritual, making it not just a fitness journey but a holistic experience of enrichment. Everyone at home looking for something different, something that will push them both on a physical and a spiritual level, is what makes this series so special.”
iFIT’s Bhutan Merchandise is a first-of-its-kind collection celebrating our adventures in Bhutan. Explore our exclusive gear available for purchase in the iFIT Shop from November 1 until November 30, 2023. Please note that these items are not available to international iFIT members. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The deadline to place your order in the iFIT Shop is Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Your items are expected to arrive within 4 - 6 weeks after the November 30 deadline.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
Train for your next 5K with Trainer Kori Sampson in this weekly treadmill run series inside the iFIT fitness app designed for intermediate runners.
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Ready to sparkle like a diamond as you tackle April’s Challenge? As a nod to this month’s birthstone, we have workouts sure to make you feel shiny and bright while you sweat! Complete the workouts from your selected Challenge level by April 30, 2025 and earn a digital reward viewable in your Trophy Case. Here are this month’s Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: From the Dominican Republic to Zimbabwe and Canada, there’s so much to explore this month. You’re sure to shine as you walk and hike with iFIT Trainers Phil Catudal, Mick Davie, and John Peel. Running: Start your running adventure in French Polynesia, the Balkans, and New Zealand. You’ll sparkle alongside iFIT Trainers Hannah Eden, Paulo Barreto, Kelsey Sheahan, and Zac Marion. Bike workouts Casual Riding: Embark on an exploration in Chile, Maui, and French Polynesia. Chase your shine with iFIT Trainers John Peel, Ashley McIvor, and Ashley Davis with beginner-level cycling workouts. Amped Cycling: Take it to the next level with iFIT Trainers Richard Biglia, Travis McCabe, and Casey Zaugg! Feel bright and shiny as you tackle advanced cycling workouts in Thailand, Japan, and Norway. Rower workouts Rowing: Row your way across Hawaii, Montana, and the iFIT Studio! Sparkle and shine in each of these workouts with iFIT Trainers Kai Wilding, Susan Francia, and Alex Silver-Fagan. Strength workouts Strength: From Pilates and yoga to traditional strength training, there’s so much to explore this month. Head to the Bahamas, Chile, and Jamaica for workouts with iFIT Trainers Kelsey Sheahan, Faith Hunter, and John Peel. Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
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