Norway fitness camp
Norway fitness camp
With skydiving entries, nights in portaledge camps and itineraries led by ex-special forces, we’ve put together some of Norway’s most ambitious active wellness retreats.
The Arctic islands of Lofoten are the perfect setting, whose kilometre-high granite peaks gaze down on bright fjord waterways – the inspirational backdrop to a fitness-based escape. Here, our itineraries are designed to enhance your physical and mental wellbeing, connecting you with nature, yourself and your group.
Below, you’ll see a sample trip layout, with heart rates given as a guide – its variation designed to bring about natural peaks in adrenaline, counterbalanced with meaningful recuperation. Of course, everything can – and will be – tailored to you.
All media taken on Cookson Adventures trips
A sample itinerary
Skydiving entry
Adrenaline start
We’ve begun trips to Norway in style, parachuting guests in – the chance to take in the country’s natural beauty with a bird’s-eye view while getting the heart rate up, bringing you right into the present.
Sample BPM: 170
Cross-country skiing
Exercise with a view
Set out to skin up a remote mountain, the terrain providing both a physical challenge and incredible backdrop as you’re disconnected and immersed in Norway’s pristine beauty with the country’s unofficial national sport.
Sample BPM: 115
Mountain cabin rest
Restorative stay
At day’s end, reach your goal – a secret mountain cabin in an incredible setting. Exclusive to your group, it’s the chance to rest and recoup with private-chef delights, grateful for the comfort in the wilderness.
Sample BPM: 70
Horseback trek
Connecting with nature
Not only does horse riding offer a unique perspective on Norway’s epic landscapes, but it fosters a deep connection to both the animal and the surrounding environment – we know the best hidden routes.
Sample BPM: 85
Freedive spearfishing
With private-chef preparation
With yogi breathwork exercise, learn to move efficiently and keep your heart-rate low, allowing you to freedive in search of a catch for your private chef to prepare back on land. You’ll be present, absorbed and physically challenged.
Sample BPM: 50
Hygge setups
Remote dining setups
Channel the Scandi concept of hygge, enjoying close informal time with friends over one of our remote wilderness setups. You’ll share private-chef lunches of your spearfishing catch in a stunning setting.
Sample BPM: 60
Mountain biking
Natural immersion
Challenge mind and body on a mountain biking adventure through Norway’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Here, leg-pumping climbs are rewarded with far-reaching vistas over the surrounding fjords.
Sample BPM: 165
Sports massage
Recovery
With top masseuses on standby, recover from your exertions with treatments tailored to you and your day’s activities, alleviating muscle tension and setting you up for relaxation – both mental and physical.
Sample BPM: 70
Trail running
Run the Joules
Control your cadence and establish a breathing pattern as you get your heartrate up on a dynamic trail run through spectacular Norwegian landscapes, clearing your head and immersing you in the moment.
Sample BPM: 130
Forest bathing
All-natural rest
Skogluft, or forest air, is lauded in Norway as a mood booster. Your guides will turn this into a meditative experience – an opportunity to connect with the land as you’re forced to be present, absorb and anchor.
Sample BPM: 70
Fjord kayaking
natural exercise
Not only is kayaking a near all-body workout, but you’ll spending time connecting in nature. And where better than Norway’s dramatic coastline, with its picturesque islands and deep fjords.
Sample BPM: 170
Sauna
Nordic tradition
Engage with this local favourite, bringing both temperature and heart rate up – excellent for your circulatory system, recovery and endorphins. It’s the perfect way to balance your active pursuits.
Sample BPM: 125
Wildlife encounter
Kiss the wolf
Moments like these are rare – getting up close and connecting with wildlife. It’s the chance to challenge your nerves to be rewarded with a special encounter and improved self-confidence
Sample BPM: 90
Rock & ridge climbing
With top mountaineers
Scale alpine peaks, traverse ridges and abseil from cliffs. Here, challenging routes provide plenty to keep the mind on the present and your body in peak physical condition.
Sample BPM: 140
Portaledge camping
Living on the edge
We’ve set up epic cliff camps in ultra-scenic locations. After the initial shock, guests overcome their fears to spend the night enjoying Norway’s most dramatic locations, calming their heart rate to immerse themselves in it.
Sample BPM: 80
Sunrise yoga
Mountain pose
With dawn spilling over Norway’s rugged landscapes, let a top yogi guide you through a tailor-made session, devised to centre your mind, strengthen your body and set you up for the day ahead.
Sample BPM: 75
Skydiving entry
Adrenaline start
Trepidation, anxiety, fear – skydiving offers a unique opportunity to overcome these feelings and revel in the post-jump adrenaline rush as you tuck into a gourmet picnic lunch.
Boosts mental clarity and focus
The adrenaline rush from skydiving sharpens your awareness, improving concentration and mental agility as you engage with the experience.
Reduces stress & anxiety
The breathtaking views and sense of freedom promote relaxation, reduce cortisol levels, and provide a meditative escape from everyday thoughts.
Enhanced mental resilience
Overcoming the challenge of skydiving fosters self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, reducing fear and promoting mental toughness.
Increased sensory engagement
The combination of fresh air, panoramic views, and the thrill of flight stimulates the senses, improving mood and creating a lasting sense of joy.
Cross-country skiing
Exercise with a view
There are multiple health benefits associated with getting out into nature, and cross-country skiing is one of the most accessible ways to do it.
Improved cardiovascular health
Hiking elevates heart rate and boosts circulation, enhancing endurance and reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Reduced stress & improved mental health
Immersion in natural settings lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and boosts mood through the calming effects of nature.
Enhanced muscle strength
Moving on uneven terrain strengthens lower body muscles and increases bone density through weight-bearing activity, supporting musculoskeletal health.
Boosted immune system
Exposure to fresh air and sunlight during hikes stimulates immune function and increases vitamin D levels.
Increased Cognitive Function
The experience can enhance mental clarity, the serene environment and act of being in the present stimulates brain activity and even creativity.
Mountain cabin rest
Restorative stay
Rest is an important part of any wellbeing routine, not least on a fitness camp.
Recovery
Rest tired muscles and minds.
Group bonding
Bond with your family or friends over the day’s activities.
Mindfulness
Grateful for the comfort at day’s end, unwind and practice some mindfulness with an inspirational mountain backdrop.
Horseback trek
Connecting with nature
Traversing Norway’s mountain trails on horseback combines physical and emotional well-being.
Improved core strength & balance
Maintaining proper posture while horseback riding engages the core, improving balance and stability.
Enhanced mental well-being
The calming presence of horses and the tranquil beauty of the natural surroundings help reduce stress, promoting feelings of relaxation.
Cardiovascular & muscular fitness
Riding a horse, especially over varied terrain, provides low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health and tones muscles in the legs, back, and arms.
Boosted emotional connection
Building a bond with a horse requires trust, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence, which can translate to improved mental resilience and social skills when taken back into your everyday life.
Increased mindfulness and focus
Riding requires a level of concentration and engagement with both the horse and the environment, requiring you to be present in the moment, leaving little room for the mind to wander.
Freedive spearfishing
With private-chef preparation
Relaxation and mindfulness are key to lowering your resting heart rate, maximising your time beneath the waves – and your chance of catching dinner.
Relieve stress & anxiety
Similar to yoga, the awareness and control of your body – including your heart rate – can help relaxation.
Strengthen your lungs
Diaphragmatic or “belly breathing” is the most efficient way of oxygenating your body, with regular practice increasing your lung volume and elasticity – as well as strengthening your core.
Fitness & flexibility
The more flexible and fit your body is, the better it can move through water, thus reducing your oxygen requirements so you can freedive for longer.
Helps to achieve better focus & concentration
Beneath the surface, there are few distractions, allowing you to concentrate on limiting unnecessary movement and maintaining oxygen levels.
Hygge setups
Remote dining setups
Since the dawn of humankind, fire has been central to our survival. It’s little wonder that we find it such a comforting experience – especially when mixed with some good, wholesome food.
Reduced anxiety
Engaging in hygge practices, such as cosy environments and calming activities, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
Improved sleep quality
The emphasis on warm lighting, soothing rituals, and winding down helps regulate circadian rhythms, leading to deeper and more restorative sleep.
Enhanced mental health
Hygge fosters feelings of contentment and gratitude through mindfulness and social connection, reducing risks of depression and boosting overall emotional well-being.
Stronger social bonds
Sharing hygge experiences, like communal meals or intimate gatherings, releases oxytocin, enhancing relationships and reducing feelings of loneliness.
Mountain biking
Natural immersion
The adrenaline of pedalling through Norway’s rugged terrain combines physical fitness with the beauty of your surroundings.
A good workout
Cycling uses most of the major muscle groups as you pedal, improving overall muscle tone throughout the body.
Disconnect
While cycling, you’re forced to be in the moment, taking time to enjoy the views.
Improved strength & stamina
Cycling increases stamina, endurance and aerobic fitness by challenging the cardiovascular system.
As intense as required
This activity can be done at very low intensity to begin with, if recovering from injury or illness, but can be built up to a demanding physical workout.
Sports massage
Recovery
Speed up the recovery of tired muscles, reduce soreness and feel ready for the days ahead.
Reduced muscle tension
Massage alleviates any knots, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort.
Improved circulation
The pressure applied during massage enhances blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body, supporting overall cardiovascular health.
Lowered stress
Massage therapy reduces cortisol levels while increasing serotonin and dopamine, promoting a sense of relaxation.
Trail running
Run the Joules
We know the best hidden routes to swap tarmac for the trail, offering a range of advantages that go beyond traditional road running.
Burn plenty of kilojoules
Trail running is an effective way to burn off plenty of calories.
Improved cardiovascular health
Running, especially over varied terrain, is an excellent workout that improves your heart’s health.
Muscular endurance
The tough terrain and steep inclines help to tone muscles in the legs, while your lungs work hard to keep your muscles supplied with oxygen.
Mental strength
Your legs might be screaming at you to stop; however, pushing through the discomfort, develops mental fortitude.
Better balance
Running activates the core, which is crucial for coordination and stability, while stabiliser muscles in your lower body constantly adjust to keep you on your feet.
Forest bathing
All-natural rest
Breathing in the clean forest air and spending time in nature can enhance overall well-being by being present in this calming, healing atmosphere.
Boosts the immune system
Forest air is packed with phytoncides – chemicals produced by trees and plants that help protect them from insects and fungus. When you breathe these in, your body responds by producing more white blood cells, which help fight disease and boost the immune system.
Reduces stress levels
Forest bathing has even been shown to lower stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to a decrease in feelings of anxiety.
Improves mood
Thanks to the calming effects of this experience, people who practice forest bathing tend to report a more positive outlook on life and feel more energised.
Increases focus & creativity
Forest bathing can also help increase creativity by providing a peaceful setting free from distractions.
Fjord kayaking
natural exercise
There are countless wellness benefits linked to getting out on the water.
Improved cardiovascular fitness
Paddling is an excellent aerobic exercise that strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Boosting mood
Being on the water has a calming effect, reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation, while physical activity releases endorphins – improving your mood.
Enhanced upper body strength
Kayaking engages muscles throughout the upper body, increasing strength and endurance in the arms, shoulders, chest and back.
Better core stability & balance
Maintaining stability in a canoe activates core muscles, improving balance, posture, and overall body coordination.
Low-impact exercise
Paddling helps support flexibility without placing excessive strain on the joints and muscles, making kayaking an accessible way to stay active.
Sauna
Nordic tradition
Saunas are lauded in this region for their myriad health benefits.
Detoxification through sweating
Heat from a sauna induces sweating, which helps flush toxins such as heavy metals and impurities from the body through the skin.
Improved cardiovascular health
Regular sauna use increases heart rate and improves circulation, mimicking cardiovascular exercise and reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.
Muscle relaxation
The heat from a sauna soothes sore muscles, relieves joint pain, and reduces inflammation, aiding in recovery after physical activity.
Enhanced skin health
Sweating in a sauna opens pores, clears out impurities, and promotes better blood flow to the skin, resulting in a healthy and radiant complexion.
Reduced stress
Sauna sessions help lower cortisol levels, promote relaxation, and release endorphins, fostering a sense of calm and mental clarity.
Wildlife encounter
Kiss the wolf
Under expert guidance, this encounter with a semi-habituated wolf not only gets the heart rate up, but is sure to inspire an emotional reaction.
Environmental connection
Looking into the eyes of this incredible mammal, you’ll enjoy a feeling of connection and humility.
Mindfulness
Bringing your heart rate up puts you right in this moment.
Confidence
The ability to face down this extraordinary natural experience can improve your mental fortitude.
Rock & ridge climbing
With top mountaineers
With our top mountaineering guides, learn technical climbing skills to enjoy a host of mental and physical benefits.
Helps with problem solving
Any rock climber knows the feeling. The feeling that your feet and hand positions are all wrong and your next move needs to be perfect. With practice, this kind of problem solving and thinking on your feet becomes second nature.
Increases strength & grip
Rock climbing uses your forearms, legs, back and core. Your grip strength will also improve markedly the more you practise.
Boosts confidence
You’re highly unlikely to ooze confidence on your first few climbs. Certain routes might look daunting, or even impossible. However, once you complete your first, you’ll be set to achieve more and more.
Burns calories
Rock climbing not only provides an effective strength workout – it’s also a great form of cardio.
Improves balance
Stability is everything when you’re climbing. Without it, you’re going to struggle to complete the climb.
Portaledge camping
Living on the edge
Conquering your fears to enjoy a truly incredible, immersive experience impart both gratitude and self-confidence.
Immersion in nature
Simply hang out in the great outdoors and revel in the soothing sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world from a unique viewpoint.
Witness awe-inspiring sights
Take time to appreciate the immensity of the night’s sky and put everyday problems into perspective. It’s an often-humbling experience.
Creating lasting memories together
For families or groups of friends, this shared challenge strengthens bonds, fostering a sense of adventure and exploration.
Conquering fear
This isn’t just about getting through a nerve-wracking moment; it’s about building a mental toughness that will stay with you.
Sunrise yoga
Mountain pose
Yoga is an exercise, but there are also plenty of mental positives to this mind-body practice.
Enhanced strength & posture
Yoga strengthens your core and stabilising muscles, improving posture and reducing strain on the spine, which can help relieve back and neck pain.
Reduced stress & anxiety
Yogic breathing and relaxation techniques can lower cortisol levels, fostering a sense of calm and lessening symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Improved flexibility
Regular yoga practice stretches and lengthens muscles, enhancing flexibility, range of motion, and reducing stiffness in joints.
Better cardiovascular health
Dynamic yoga, like vinyasa, can improve cardiovascular circulation, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health.
Improved respiratory function
Pranayama breathing exercises lead to increased lung capacity, strengthening of respiratory muscles, and increased levels of oxygen throughout the body.
