TRX, Teamwork, and “Freaking Amazing.” Fitness Manager Renae McCloud’s Fitness Philosophy
Renae McCloud leads Rancho La Puerta’s fitness program with energy, expertise, and a genuine love for helping people move better. After more than ten years as a presenter and instructor at The Ranch, she now leads our Fitness Team, offering everything from TRX to meditation, all while living by her philosophy: “Age is no barrier. It is a limitation you put on your mind” -Jackie Joyner-Kersee. I caught up with Renae to hear her story and learn how she’s shaping fitness to support our guests’ health, wellness, and longevity.
Q: What is your title here at The Ranch?
A: I’m the Fitness Director at Rancho La Puerta.
Q: How long have you been coming to The Ranch?
A: About ten years. I started as a presenter, then became a seasonal instructor, and now I’m the Fitness Director.
Q: Fitness is a broad category. Do you have a specialty within it?
A: My heart and passion are with TRX. It’s my favorite piece of equipment because it uses bodyweight training to build strength, flexibility, mobility, and core stability. But I can teach anything at The Ranch, except aqua and Pilates, from hikes and strength training to meditation and breathwork.
Q: Do you hold certifications?
A: Yes, I do. I’m an education junkie. I hold national certifications from ACSM and ACE, along with certifications and training in all the modalities I teach.
Q: Why TRX? What drew you to it?
A: It found me, really. I love that it provides a balanced workout without overworking any part of the body. I can teach strength training, yoga, Pilates, or flexibility with TRX. It’s diverse, effective, and leaves you feeling good.
Q: How would you describe the fitness program here?
A: It’s vast, exciting, and sometimes overwhelming with all its moving parts. We have an amazing team where everyone has a specialty, but they also support each other. We offer aqua, hiking, strength training, yoga, Pilates, art classes, poetry, music, and more. It’s unbelievable how much we offer.
Q: What does leadership mean to you?
A: Leadership is about bringing the team together. Even though I’m the Fitness Director, it’s a team effort. I’m boots-on-the-ground, working alongside them. I’ll never ask my staff to do something I wouldn’t do myself.
Q: How does fitness fit into overall wellness and a vacation here?
A: Fitness is wellness. Right now, the buzzword is longevity, but it’s really about health span, how well you live your years. Exercise impacts physical, mental, and emotional bodies. We aim to give guests tools to improve all three.
Q: Do you feel The Ranch’s fitness program focuses on functional strength and mobility?
A: We’re moving in that direction. Fitness isn’t just about lifting weights anymore. Now it’s about staying functional and being able to walk two miles at 80, put luggage in the overhead bin, or get up off the floor. Baby boomers are leading this shift, and we’re adapting to meet those needs.
Q: What is your athletic background?
A: I started playing soccer at 10, then did gymnastics and track and field. As an adult, I’ve done triathlons, Spartan obstacle races, mountain biking, and trail running. Sports and movement have always been part of my life.
Q: What surprises guests most about the fitness program?
A: How much we offer. Sometimes guests feel overwhelmed, thinking they can’t do it all. I advise picking a strength class, a mind-body class, and something gentle each day to create balance. Don’t overdo it in the first two days or you’ll be too sore to enjoy the rest of the week.
Q: Some guests say classes aren’t as intense as their workouts at home. What are your thoughts?
A: One class might feel less intense, but add a morning hike, pickleball, cardio or strength class, and stretch, and you’re doing far more than at home. Plus, classes are multi-level. We encourage guests to work at their own level and to challenge themselves appropriately.
Q: What brought you to The Ranch originally?
A: I was teaching TRX at a conference when Coco and Connie invited me to train the staff here. I didn’t even know what Rancho La Puerta was, but when I arrived, I felt something special immediately. I’ve been presenting, instructing seasonally, and now directing the fitness program. The Ranch just pulls me in with its vibe, smells, and energy.
Q: Did you own your own fitness business?
A: Yes, for 20 years. I offered TRX, BOSU, stability ball, dumbbells, trail running, and more. I did personal training, classes, and coached community training programs for triathlons, Spartan races, and trail running focusing on women aged 45–65, getting them off the couch and to the finish line for fun and teamwork, not podiums.
Q: In three words, how would you describe Rancho La Puerta?
A: It’s freaking amazing.
Q: Who is The Ranch for?
A: Everybody. The Ranch has something for everyone, as long as you’re willing to explore and try new things.
Q: What advice do you have for new guests?
A: Don’t just do what you do at home. Try something new. We have six fitness time slots of classes every day and over 40 classes daily so take advantage and explore. You never know what you might love
Move, Breathe, and Thrive at The Ranch
Join Renae McCloud and our expert fitness team for a week designed to energize your body, calm your mind, and inspire new ways to move. With over 40 classes daily from TRX and strength training to meditation and gentle stretch, you’ll discover workouts that meet you where you are and take you further than you imagined.
Plan Your Wellness Escape Today
View Upcoming Weeks & Reserve Your Spot
