Shaping up of Hotel Fitness Centers
Whether you’re traveling on work or for recreation, your exercise routine is one thing you’re just not willing to give up if you’re a true blue fitness fanatic. But after years of having to contend with non-existent or dodgy at best facilities, you can now look forward to top class amenities as hotels across the world shape up to welcome their fitness-savvy guests
From high-profile properties to economy hotels, hospitality fitness is the new buzzword across the industry. In fact, more and more hotels are using their state-of-the-art fitness studios as a selling point to attract travelers.
But there is a reason behind hospitality fitness becoming the rage it is today. For many people, fitness has become a way of life and they don’t want to lose the momentum just because they’re on road. For them, a hotel with a well-equipped gym may rate higher than one that boasts of a snazzy bar or a fancy restaurant.
In fact, there is a possibility that exercise-minded travelers may completely sidestep properties, which don’t have fitness centers that match up to their expectations.
Rather than losing business from such travelers, hotels are gearing up to offer them a fitness experience they’re unlikely to forget.
Hospitality Fitness – Maintaining an Edge
So, what are some of the things that hotels are doing or can do in order to meet their guests’ fitness goals? For starters, hotel fitness centers have to start getting the importance that they deserve in the overall strategy of a hospitality business.
Hotels and resorts have to realize that it’s no longer an option, but a requirement of their business to have a first rate fitness center in house.
So, they have to start by allocating more space – both on their properties and in their budgets – to hotel fitness solutions. It will no longer do to dump some treadmills and nondescript weights in an unutilized room and call it a gym.
Today’s exercise-minded guests demand much more out your hotel fitness center. They demand well-ventilated and bright facilities; they demand the latest exercise equipment to hit the market; they demand beautiful and inspiring interiors; and they demand services that make exercising easy and enjoyable for them.
It will work to your advantage to keep your facility running for 24 hours. A round-the-clock gym will not just give your guests the flexibility to exercise whenever they want, but will also help avoid overcrowding.
Fitness Services to Beat the Best
For guests who prefer yoga and Pilates, hotels are designating separate areas in their fitness centers and providing accessories & aids as well as training videos to facilitate such mind-body workouts.
Some hotels, especially luxury properties, have notched up their services by rolling out personal trainers and in-room workouts to their high-profile guests.
They are also providing their guests with add-ons like wrist-top GPS monitors, workout apparel, and sneakers either free of charge or for a small fee – little gestures that help create an exercise-friendly environment in a big way!
But hospitality fitness is not limited to exercise. In order to enhance the overall wellness and rejuvenation experience of their guests, many hotels are setting up massage parlors, saunas and spas they can head to for some well deserved pampering after a grueling workout.
Swimming pools have always been a part of a hotel’s offering, but amenities like boxing studios, racquetball and basketball courts, and running tracks are also being included now as part of hotel fitness solutions for guests who prefer sporty or athletic workouts.
And where there is fitness, can healthy eating be far behind? From offering nutritious snacks like low fat yoghurt and energy bars to including diet-friendly and healthy food options on their menu, hotels are leaving no stone unturned to help their guests maintain a wholesome lifestyle even when they’re away from home.
About the Author
Paul Smith is a certified personal trainer and works at an uptown New York gym. He has a Bachelor’s degree in physical education. He is a sports enthusiast and loves to play baseball. He is a health freak and a recent convert to vegetarianism. He loves sharing his knowledge about fitness products and fitness services. When he is not training his patrons, you’ll find Paul playing video games with his son.
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