Summer 2018 Newsletter

We are excited to debut a new addition to our newsletters featuring our guests and the incredible lifestyle changes they have made since a visit to The Ranch! We love receiving and now sharing these inspirational stories. If you would like to be included in the Fall Newsletter please send your story and photos to [email protected].

You can also follow us on Instagram to see more stories from your fellow guests or share yours using the hashtag #sixalmondslater for a chance to be featured on our feed!

A special thank you and congratulations to our first Six Almonds Later alums Susan and Michele!

Susan Zwiener
50 years old
New York, NY

As someone who enjoys wellness, travel and intense exercise, I first heard about The Ranch a few years ago and knew at some point I would need to plan a trip. Even before I went to The Ranch myself, I was recommending it to countless friends in search of a health retreat. One of my friends who never ever cooked actually returned home totally plant-based, and now cooks all the time!

When my husband suggested we go for our 25th anniversary in March, I had no idea it would be one of the best vacations of my life. We were in great shape before our stay, but our week at The Ranch showed us the powerful impact of a plant-based diet on our bodies. So rarely do you have the chance to treat your body to a diet free from meat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, dairy and wine and actually see how it feels. And the staff at The Ranch do everything possible for each and every guest to succeed in both the hiking and the diet. Between the clean eating and the ability to turn off the “planning” part of our brains we left relaxed, inspired and motivated to make this trip one that would leave lasting health benefits.

Since returning home we’ve lost more weight, cut out cheese, I now make almond milk every morning and my skin just glows! I’ve only eaten red meat a few times since our stay, which is even funnier since we own steakhouses worldwide. We just feel so much better overall and plan on going once a year to keep ourselves in check.

Michele Hartley
51 years old
Bakersfield, CA

I was fortunate to attend The Ranch last May 2017. I had just turned 50. I wasn’t really overweight but I wasn’t fit by any means. My first couple of days were extremely hard. I had never been to any “camp” like this before. I didn’t think I could last through 7 days of extreme hikes and workouts. I was actually hoping to get bit by a snake!

Then on Wednesday, 4 days in, something in my brain changed. I didn’t want the days to end. I loved every moment of every day. I couldn’t get enough. In the end I lost 6 inches. 3 of those were in my belly. It’s been a year now since my Ranch experience and I’ve kept off the weight. I still try to avoid dairy, sugar, gluten, and caffeine. I joined a yoga class and hike as much as possible. I know my visit at The Ranch was a once in a lifetime experience but I am forever grateful for that experience and the staff. I will never forget it. Thank you!

We’ve refreshed our online store! Head over to theranchlife.com/store and enjoy the photos of our resident animals enjoying our products. While you’re there you’ll find more apparel and beauty items available for purchase, including our new Bee’s Milk Facial Scrub and Sun Soaked Sage Face & Body Mist.

Handcrafted with ingredients harvested from our certified organic garden these new products were developed with our core principles in mind – simple yet effective health practices, recognizing nature’s healing power and supporting the body’s natural renewal process.

On Summer Time!

For those thinking of booking a summer trip to The Ranch, don’t let the heat keep you away! Not only are the cryotherapy saunas in full effect but we’ve also switched over to our summer schedule through September. This means we hit the trails earlier in the morning, enjoy afternoon circuit classes in the pool and have dinner an hour earlier to allow for a little more downtime in the evening. Catch an extra hour of sleep or finish that book you brought with you!

For availability please contact [email protected]

Walter Jacobson
The Ranch Malibu Massage Therapist

For most of us there is nothing better than hearing your name called for afternoon massage. Bringing more than 30 years of experience tending to tired muscles and overworked minds, Massage Therapist Walter Jacobson has an innate ability to find your trouble spots and bring immediate relief. His calming demeanor and magic hands have restored guests amidst our challenging daily program since we opened.

Read on to see just how authentic his passion is for healing and how the questions our guests ask him evolve during the week.

What are you grateful for?

My family, my work as a therapist, a daily opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives in some positive way.

What made you get into massage therapy and how long have you been practicing?

My parents were always into massage, how it could heal and/or transform both receiver and giver at the same time. For the past 30 plus years, people have always expressed their enjoyment of my massage and proclaimed I was good at it.

My college education was to lead as a Naval Engineering Officer and Corporate Trainer. When I decided to earn my living full-time as a Massage Therapist in 2006 many people were confused because it so challenged their view of what truly matters in life.

This choice has afforded me a unique opportunity to live my beliefs all day, every day, become more present and grow in previously imaginable ways. I am able to truly see the world though a child’s eyes and live closer to the actual truth by shedding my personal bias and revealing a happiness that has always surrounded me.

What has been your most rewarding moment since joining The Ranch?

Watching The Ranch Massage Team develop into a group that performs at a world-class level. This is something far beyond what I’ve been involved in during my 30 year career in massage. Our team consistently goes above and beyond because it is more like a calling than a job.

At The Ranch we take all comers and set them up for success in only 45-50 minutes. This requires presence and for you to be at the top of your game. I could not be prouder of my team’s effort with the guests, and it shows as they walk out of the massage huts saying ‘Wow, that was the best massage I’ve ever received.

Most neglected muscle/muscle group that they should ask for extra attention on?

The one causing the issues, not just the one that is talking loudest at the moment. Look for the root of the issue, not the symptom. Look for the results, not the massage technique that you’ve always gotten.

Best thing a guest has said to you?

Thank you Walter that was a transformational massage…. the best massage of my life. I never knew you could do that with massage in only 50 minutes.

Most asked questions from guests?

Monday – Can I do The Ranch?
Tuesday – Can I get relief from my detox?
Wednesday – Can it be I am really adjusting?
Thursday – Can I carry this into my life outside The Ranch?
Friday – Can I come back soon?

First thing you do when you wake up?

Say thank you for another day to serve my family, friends, guests and community.

Favorite Ranch Meal?

This is one of the hardest questions because our Ranch chef’s are amazing! I love the burgers, pizzas and deconstructed burritos with equal gusto!

Go-to snack?

Dried fruit or nuts of all kinds.

Go-to workout?

Hiking or walking with my family.

Your favorite hike/place to walk in Los Angeles?

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area because it is right at my back door.

I also like the Sierra Madre Canyon trail to the Mount Wilson Observatory area behind Pasadena/Sierra Madre because it has amazing views of the Los Angeles basin and the Channel Islands on clear days.

Last book you read?

Because I most always have 2-3 books going at once, here are the last three which were finished on the same day:

1. The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work, by John M. Gottman (Anyone claiming 80% plus accuracy with backup data in relationships has my attention.)
2. The Thinkers Toolkit, 14 Powerful Techniques for Problem Solving, by Morgan D. Jones (Solving complex problems well on a variety of levels is needed today.)
3. Kesling Modern Structures, Popularizing Modern Design in Southern California 1934-1962, by Patrick Pascal (Widely influential but generally unrecognized Architect in So. Cal.)

Water, water, water isn’t just a mantra to keep our guests hydrated, it’s also important for our garden as we get into the hot, dry Malibu summers. Getting the right hydration level can be tricky, so here are a few tips straight from our garden on how to keep your soil in shape as the temperature rises.

Timeit Right

Plants like an even consistent soil moisture. In this heat, overwatering can burn plants and create problems in the soil, so it’s best to water early in morning or early evening.

Where to Water

Try to water at ground level, staying away from leaves, to not burn them or create powdery mildew.

How to Water

When watering from a hose, called overhead watering, you can loose up to 50% of water to evaporation. This is why a drip system is important. Using the proper equipment is important too. Drip lines and drip tape found at a farmer supply store will give your garden soil and plants the best result.

Grow Seasonally

Know what to plant seasonally. Right now warm weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, squash and corn are all heat lovers and do well in soil that is not overwatered.

Prep for Fall

Remember, the autumn equinox is Sept 22, so now is a good time to get those unused or harvested garden beds or land area ready for fall planting by giving them a hearty dose of compost and letting the soil rest.

No need to worry about getting a great workout in while on the go. Whether you want to burn calories or build strength, in just 30 minutes you can challenge all of your muscles using just your body weight from this sequence crafted by Josh Ray, Program Guide and Fitness Instructor for The Ranch 4.0. A certified trainer and fitness professional since 2012, he is passionate about pushing people towards their best version of optimal health and showing them what’s possible through his ultra-marathoning, rock climbing, and outdoor ventures.

Check out Josh’s 30-minute circuit!

If your goal is to burn calories, spend one minute in each movement getting as many reps as you can while also moving at a steady pace through the 30 minute workout. You’ll do 4 rounds with a one minute and thirty second rest between each round.

If your goal is to build strength, spend one minute in each exercise, doing the movement very slowly and controlled, maximizing your muscles’ time under tension. You’ll do 4 rounds with a one minute and thirty second rest between each round.

Tips:

• REMEMBER TO BREATHE.
• Have some water handy
• Chose the movement version that is within your ability and stick with it the entire workout.

Modified Version – Starting in a tabletop position, hands under shoulders and knees under hips, extend your left hand out in line with your shoulder and right leg straight back, heel in line with your hips. Bring your elbow and knee together under your body, re-extend and repeat the movement for five reps before switching sides.

For an advanced version start in a straight-arm plank to further engage the core.

Modified Version – Step back into a lunge, keeping the hip, knee and foot in alignment. Return to standing. Repeat 5 times on one leg before switching sides.

For an advanced version, step back into a lunge then drive the back knee forward and up, exploding out of the back lunge and springing off your base foot. With control, return to back lunge, and repeat.

Modified version – Stand straight up, step out into a side lunge and hold for a moment before returning to the starting position and performing this movement on the other leg. Repeat from side to side.

For an advanced version, perform ice skaters side to side with control. Hop to the side off one foot, landing and balancing on the other foot, repeating side to side.

For a modified version step or hop out into a plank, then step or hop your feet to meet your hands and come to a full standing position. Repeat!

For an advanced version, jump into plank and add a push-up before you hop your feet to meet your hands. Rather than come to a full standing position, add an explosive jump upwards before returning to the starting position.

Modified Version – Drop to your knees making sure your hands are under your shoulders as you lower your body so your head and chest are just a few inches off the floor. Push yourself back up and repeat!

For an advanced version try a side-to-side push-up. Your hands will be a little wider than shoulder width as you lean to one side and lower your torso in a push-up. Come back to center and then move your weight over to the other side and do a pushup. You can also try a lateral walking push-up, moving the right arm and right leg out to one side, perform a push-up and then alternate, moving the left arm and leg out.