Our Blog

In the heart of Wayne County, at the site of the historic Natural Bridge, you’ll find Tennessee Fitness Spa, a facility that caters to the fitness goals of guests from across the country. 

Joe and Nancy Shaw purchased the property in 1990 and opened it as a fitness spa in February of 1991. In the early days there were only about five guests per week. Now, the spa averages 35-45 guests per week from states such as Florida, New York, Michigan and even as far away as Oregon and California. The duration of the stay is one week, from Sunday to Sunday. However three or four times a year the spa offers a 3-day special for guests who can’t get away for an entire week.

At one time or another, anyone with a few pounds to lose has given some thought to checking out of real life and into a fitness spa. After all, leaving behind the routines that plumped you up in the first place and devoting yourself to exercise and nutrition under the watchful eye of trained fitness professionals seems like the ideal way to jump start a weight loss program.

Hiking 8 miles before breakfast is not a skill I shall summon often, as I plan to structure my life to avoid such things. But thanks to my recent week-long stay at the Tennessee Fitness Spa, I now know that I possess the will and the power to stride smartly at dawn should the need arise.

Little acts of self-discovery are precious, and at this retreat 95 miles southwest of Nashville, they come easily and cheaply. Places where slugs like me can get in shape without dropping a bundle are a thriving subgroup within the usually posh spa world. And the Tennessee Fitness Spa has emerged as a leader.