For our overnight/residential group retreats, here is what to expect:
7:30 - 8:30
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, protein shakes, overnight oatmeal are all examples of what we eat for breakfast. On a residential retreat, you most likely will be preparing your own breakfast at your own time based on your own needs. Groceries and recipes provided.
8:30 - 10:00
Morning Workout
We will start the morning off with a group fitness activity, for example, a class combining cardio, strength training, and body-weight exercises coordinated by a certified group fitness instructor or personal trainer. Our residential guests will have a membership at our local gym and most classes and personal training sessions will be at the gym (3 minute drive from the Luminaries building)
11:00 - 12:00
Morning Seminar
Nutrition topics will be covered - every day will be a new topic. E.g. Nutrition 101, Exercise & Building Muscle, Weight Loss, and Macro/Micro Nutrients
12:00 - 1:00
Lunch
Monday - Friday lunches are demo'd by Amy or a guest chef and are nutritious, delicious, and instructional. For example, grilled chicken over a bed of mixed greens with avacado, nuts, and a balsamic/olive oil dressing or roasted brussel sprouts.
1:00 - 2:00
Afternoon Seminar
Seminar topics will include health, Biblical views of food/eating, soul care, and/or wellness living principles and inspirational stories.
2:30 - 5:00
Outdoor Activity
Mountain Biking or Gravel Trail Cycling. The main outdoor activity will change day to day. Naturally, weather conditions might dictate changes in the plan. Some days will be hiking, kayaking, etc or in the winter, snowshoeing will also be offered.
5:30
Dinner
Prepare and enjoy a delicious healthy dinner with all the major food groups in healthy proportions. For example, Steak Fajitas with fresh guac, cut veggies, and a side of cheese. Most often, residential retreat guests will share cooking duties for dinner to "try out" recipes on each other. This is done in the Lofts (Peacock or Artist's Loft usually). On a group retreat, dinner is provided.
6:30 - ?
Free Time
You are free to use the retreat house to relax, fish (when available), craft, read, visit, etc. Programming ends for the night and you are of course free to leave the retreat and explore the beauty and fun quaint town of St Croix Falls/Taylors Falls. Some evenings, M-F we have a support group or evening seminar/exercise opportunity. Movie nights are common in the lower Luminaries Lounge.