Back when I used to travel, I would always check out what the hotels had to offer in their fitness centers. I would reference my copy of The Athletic-minded Traveler: Where to Work Out and Stay When Fitness Is a Priority
On my trip last week though, my mind was more focused on how to entertain two small children on a six hour plane ride instead of what type of treadmill is being used in the hotel chain. Oh, how my priorities have shifted in life!
During my stay in California, I stayed in two different hotels and decided to do my own comparison of their fitness facilities. I didn’t actually get the chance to use the centers, I just stopped by to check them out. Here are my thoughts:
First up was the Westin St. Francis, where they offer the WestinWORKOUT.
This includes:
* Access to our WestinWORKOUT center, powered by Reebok
* Cardio floor, equipped with LifeFitness treadmills, bicycles, stairmasters, and elliptical cross-trainers
* Weight Floor, equipped with Cybex Galileo weight equipment and 5- through 75-pound dumbbells
* Men’s and Women’s locker rooms, offering steam rooms, complimentary day lockers, tea service, and amenities
They also have Personal Training available, by appointment. The Westin wants you to “you to stay toned and beautiful on the road.” Beauty and amenities are not free though, it will cost you $12 per day or $30 for the entire length of your stay.
I think that is a little steep for just one or two days. If I was staying a week though, it might be something I consider. The equipment was nice, well maintained and the fitness center was clean. It wasn’t very crowded either, which is always a plus.
The second place I stayed was the Residence Inn by Marriott, which offered complimentary use of their fitness room. It was just that though, a small room with minimal equipment.
There was a treadmill, elliptical, and bike along with 2 pairs of hand weights. (I wonder, did someone make off with all the others?)
Definitely no bells and whistles here but still solid enough to get a good workout, provided you do not have to share the room with more than 2 other people. It was cramped, hot, and basic–but free is free!
So what do you think gang?
Would you pay $12 a day for a premium fitness center while traveling?
***
(I have to add that what The Residence Inn lacked in the fitness area, they made up for in free food! They offered a really nice breakfast each morning that had loads of healthy options, such as fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt. )
{ 19 comments }
YES!
Mark Salinass last blog post..Physio Ball Exercises
Okay, that pic of the Residence Inn’s sad little fitness room just cracks me up for some reason. Good for you for being dedicated! When I travel, my fave way to work out is to go running around the area I’m staying. Tourism AND exercise. But now that I have kids, that is difficult to do so I’m often stuck in strange little rooms like that one. Way to keep up the good work, girl!
PS> And no, I wouldn’t have paid the 12$ Sheesh.
charlottes last blog post..Running Scared: How I Got Into Fitness
Great review! If we were only staying for a few days in the hotel, no probably not but if it was a week or longer, we would definitely pay to use that facility or one similar.
Angies last blog post..My Workouts for the Week of 7/21-7/27 2008
No, I wouldn’t pay $12 to workout! Is the use of the equipment free with your stay?
I can do ok on an elliptical if forced. I’d rather have more dumbbells, though!
Rachels last blog post..Is the new Starbuck’s Vivanno drink really healthy?
I think it would depend on the city – when I travel, I prefer to exercise outside and enjoy where I am, unless of course, the weather is bad, etc.
$12 for a day? Nope. I might as well get a day pass for a really big gym for that price. I usually travel with my Turbokick DVD and running shoes that way I can do cardio whatever the weather and fitness facility situation. If I am traveling long enough that need to also include strength training, I pack the bands. I don’t travel that much for my job, so when I do, I just go into a holding pattern, if that makes any sense.
Alices last blog post..
Going to the gym while traveling? Unlikely. I like to get in my exercise by exploring places on foot when I’m traveling, and I’d likely get in strength training by doing things like push ups/crunches etc (or I’d just be lazy and forgo the strength training while I’m away from home… *hangs head in shame*:)).
Sagans last blog post..Dehydrating Food: Rounds Two and Three
I do mat pilates and yoga in the hotel room, and walk. In all kinds of weather. (I once went for a walk in the snow and was joined by a very friendly dog, who walked with me the whole way. She was very cute!)
These days I also travel with the kids, so walking is a great way to get to know the area. And we swim. Outdoors, if it’s warm, indoors when it’s cold.
I’d spend $12 for a good class, but probably not just to use a treadmill.
I also try to find other activities. In Santa Barbara where we go for vacation, we bike. We rent a surrey–it’s so much fun.
Many hotels have pools also. Of course, not always an option in the winter.
Also, I belong to 24 hr. fitness so whenever I travel I try to see if they have a gym nearby:-) I don’t think I would pay any extra fees for a gym. If it is free, that is an added bonus. I LOVE when the hotel provides a few exercise machines and a TV. I’m all over that.
If the fitness center is really nice, I would probably pay to use it. Especially if I was going to be there for a while. I stayed at a hotel (forgot the name) in Tampa where the gym was on the top floor, and there was a beautiful view of the ocean while you worked out.
Missicats last blog post..Superhero Friday
$12 is a bit much for me, especially if I was only staying there for a night or two and could get outside for a run/walk.
I always travel with those resitance tubes, and push-ups and lunges are always free! Also, if you’re already traveling with a laptop, you might as well bring a workout DVD that doesn’t require equipment. Then you have no excuses.
I love how most of you bring your own options or plan for outside workouts. Great thinking!
charlotte-isn’t that a sad little place? it’s hard to get motivated to exercise when that is what you are working with!
rachel–yes, the $12 included everything. I don’t think they offered classes though.
Missicat–ocean view would be awesome during a workout! Reminds me of when I went on a cruise and used the treadmills overlooking the water.
fit bottomed girls–oh, so true about the DVD and laptop. Great tip!
Travel? What’s that?
I only started working out since I had kids and quit my job. Prior to that, I traveled occasionally for work, but would never even have considered working out.
Now? I guess it depends on how long I was going to be there.
Robins last blog post..Kettlebell Review
I might…depending on the length of the trip and where I was in my strength training routine. It does seem a bit steep, though, for a hotel as pricey as the Westin.
fo’ shizzle.
working out SANS CHILD?
12?
S.L.A.P.
(and a bargain)
MizFits last blog post..Monday Facetime. Blooper Reel.
The Bag Lady is so poor, she couldn’t pay $12.00 for a hotel room!! Sheesh.
the Bag Ladys last blog post..Monday, Monday…..
I think making the fitness room cost extra is a good idea… that way people (like families) aren’t paying for the lucky folks who get time to exercise. LOL
That dingy Mariott room is so pathetic I feel sorry for it.
Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)s last blog post..Why Comment?
Wow, $12 a day is a bit steep-not in California terms, unfortunately, but still. I use a fitness center if it is really hot out and I go while the kids are napping. Generally though I run wherever we are. That’s my favorite part of vacation, because I can really get out and see the sights, the town, and experience the place we are staying. Some of my favorite memories of vacations are of the early morning runs I took!
ahhh, i miss my care-free flight attendant daze in random hotels…
Fitarellas last blog post..Eat it
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