Embracing the Berkshires: A Journey of Growth and Community with Bridget Ford Hughes

Nestled amid scenic hills and breath-taking landscapes, the Berkshires region is not just a haven for those seeking tranquility and nature's embrace—it is also a place where dreams flourish and personal growth is intertwined with community connection. Bridget Ford Hughes, owner of Body Lab in Great Barrington, embodies this spirit through her journey of living and working in the Berkshires.

From Canyon Ranch to The World Stage

Bridget's story in the Berkshires began with an opportunity that would carve her future. "I was recruited by Canyon Ranch out of massage school," she recalls, reflecting on how it all started. Her stellar skills as a massage therapist opened doors to work with celebrities, leading to an exhilarating period of traveling around the globe. Yet, the Berkshires always called her back.

"I kept working on all these different celebrities," Bridget says, "and then for quite some time I worked for one celebrity and traveled around the world with them."

A Moment of Reflection at Kripalu

It was during a visit to Kripalu for her 60th birthday that Bridget experienced an epiphany. Surrounded by familiar walls and the serenity of a 6:00am yoga class, she found herself awash with gratitude for the life she'd built.

"Oh my god! I've been in these rooms doing these poses, showing up on this mat for 30 years," she thought. It was three decades of learning and self-discovery, punctuated by the realization, "If these walls could talk."

This profound connection to the Berkshires was only deepened by her encounters with fellow residents like BIRCH Properties founder, Selina Lamb, whom she met at a karaoke birthday party—proof that joy and comradery are never in short supply here!

^{Selina Lamb and Bridget Ford Hughes, surfing in Barbados 2023}

Falling for the Berkshires

Bridget expresses her love for the land with a poetic reverence, finding parallels between the open expanses of the Berkshires and the rustic beauty of Ireland.

"What I love about the Berkshires is the hills, the sky, the air. I love the open land; it reminds me a lot of Ireland, and so I just feel at home," she says, encapsulating the warm embrace of the environment.

Whether it's swimming, paddleboarding, riding a bike, or being one with nature, Bridget's active lifestyle is a testament to the region's capacity for fostering health and vitality.

Crafting a Dream: The Birth of Body Lab

Driven by her passion for fitness and wellbeing, Bridget took a giant leap to create her own destiny. She founded Body Lab as a sanctuary for personal training and massage therapy—a culmination of a decade of dedication to her craft.

"It just evolved that I wanted to create my own studio, and so I just did that and have been with Body Lab and doing this for 10 years," she shares.

Body Lab is more than a business; it represents a commitment to the community and a celebration of clean, healthy living afforded by the Berkshires' lifestyle.

The Community: The Heart of Longevity

When asked what has anchored her to the Berkshires for over 30 years, without hesitation, Bridget points to the people and the pace of life.

"What's kept me here has been the community and the lifestyle and the pace and just having access to such clean, healthy living," she explains.

Looking ahead, Bridget envisions a robust future, fueled by strength and a continuous pursuit of enhancing her expertise.

"The future for me is just always getting STRONGER and just expanding my repertoire of skills," Bridget asserts, with palpable optimism.

REGIONAL REFLECTION

Bridget Ford Hughes’ evolution from a massage therapist at Canyon Ranch to a celebrated owner of Body Lab mirrors the transformative ethos of the Berkshires. Her life's work is a reflection of the region’s soul—its natural splendor, tight-knit communities, and opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment.

For those considering a move to the Berkshires, let Bridget's story inspire you; here, among the rolling hills and clear skies, you can find both a career path and a heartfelt connection to a place that truly feels like home.

To connect with Bridget

Visit her website and follow her on Instagram

Watch her story on YouTube

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