Swimsuit season is upon us, so naturally fitness is at the forefront of traveler’s minds. The catch-22, however, is that swimsuit season coincides with summer vacation plans — the time of year where gluttony can be embraced and indulgence is practically a prerequisite.
Luckily, fitness is a hot topic in the hotel and resort world, and having a gym is just the beginning. Hotels continue to outdo themselves in an attempt to lure prospective guests and provide the increasingly health-conscious traveler with cutting-edge fitness amenities.
(Photo: IHG)
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, maintaining your regular workout routine can help you de-stress, ward off jet lag and shed some of those inevitable travel pounds. Let’s face it: traveling doesn’t always lend itself to eating right, so a hotel gym is a perfect spot to offset some of those late night drive-thru visits and airport munchies.
Workout in your room:
Don’t want to leave the comfort of your room to workout? Westin Hotels & Resorts has a program called WestinWORKOUT, which offers in-room fitness equipment such as treadmills, fitness DVDs, resistance bands and stationary bikes so you can adhere to your workout routine from the comfort of your room. Every Westin property has a small number of rooms set aside that offer these features. When booking Westin Hotels & Resorts on Room 77, make sure to request one of these rooms through the Room Concierge Service, and we’ll see what we can do to honor your request.
A hotel brand that’s ALL about fitness:
IHG (the company that owns InterContinental Hotels and Holiday Inn) has created a new brand called Even Hotels, which promotes overall well-being so travelers can reap the benefits of everything from top-of-the-line gyms, to their signature flavored water and hypoallergenic linens. Even though Even Hotels hasn’t officially opened their first property, health nuts will definitely want to keep this brand on their radar.
A travel workout doesn’t always have to be done in the gym:
Remember that working out on the road doesn’t always require a hotel gym. If the weather is pleasant, take an hour walk or run around your destination, and soak up some sights. Walking just one hour can burn around 200 calories, and you can squeeze in some sightseeing at the same time! Many hotels have maps of the best hiking, running and cycling trails in the area, so be sure to utilize the knowledge of the front desk to your advantage. If you’re up for an even bigger challenge, request a room on a high floor and use the stairs: it’s amazing how much of a workout this really is.
Regardless of how you choose to stay fit while on the road, take solace in the fact that many hotel brands are now offering a wide variety of ways to get those natural endorphins running and keep you in shape while on the road. Here’s to healthier travel!
