Chocolate Mousse made with healthy stealth ingredients such as dates and avocado, is served at the National Institute of Health and Fitness. The institute teaches people how to change their lives to become more health conscious.Chocolate Mousse made with healthy stealth ingredients such as dates and avocado, is served at the National Institute of Health and Fitness. The institute teaches people how to change their lives to become more health conscious.

Weston Fuller, National Institute of Health and

During the 1980s and early 1990s, the National Institute of Fitness was the place to lose weight and feel great. Owners Marc and Vicki Sorenson compiled an impressive track record at the Southern Utah resort for helping people shape up and overcome health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. NIF's sensible approach included hiking in red rock canyons, exercise classes, hearty meals of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and daily seminars from Marc Sorenson, who has a doctorate from Brigham Young University in education with a health emphasis.

The Sorensons decided to sell their spa in 1994, and the property eventually became the Red Mountain Resort.

Over the years, the couple pursued other interests and organized some fitness retreats.

"But we missed making people well," said Marc Sorenson. "We had some fun at our ranch in Nevada, and taking cruises and traveling in Europe. But when people come to you daily and tell you that you saved their lives, you miss it and want to do it again."

And now they're back. The National Institute of Health and Fitness opened its doors in June as part of the Zermatt and The Homestead resorts in Midway. Guests can enjoy healthy meals, exercise and health classes; hiking the scenic Wasatch foothills, playing tennis, swimming laps in a heated pool, or relaxing in the geothermal waters of The Crater, a natural spring on the Homestead property.

"This is a working spa, not a bunch of ladies sitting around waiting to be pampered," is how Diane Richman of Beverly Hills, Calif., a resort guest in August, described it. "If you're going to lose weight and feel healthy, this is the place to go."

Steve Eddington, managing partner of Zermatt and The Homestead, said the NIHF is considered a "primary pillar" to both resorts. "We want to create destination locations, and this is a cornerstone to helping us accomplish it. We are in one of the most natural wellness areas in the world."

Marc Sorenson said he and Vicki had considered a few different offers in the St. George area, "But then Steve and his wife came and visited with us in St. George, and asked if we could do the same magic as we did before at NIF."

Originally posted here:
New Heber Valley resort is headed up by former health gurus