by Kim Land
A squeaky treadmill and an exercise bike stuffed into an unused room. A few barbells and yoga mats stashed in a humid area next to a pool.
In the not too distant past, hotel fitness rooms weren’t really much of an amenity and were hardly inviting.
But fitness is no longer something that a hotel manager or developer can nonchalantly check off of a list. Travelers expect more from their hotel, and factors like our growing reliance on digital technology and the rise of millennial travelers is changing the way that the hospitality industry thinks about fitness.
Over the course of my career, most of which have been spent in the fitness industry, I’ve witnessed three big trends develop that are essential for hotels to pay attention to and try to get in front of.
- Technology: It’s important not only for Millennials but Generation X and Baby Boomers too. We all rely on digital technology, especially if you’re a business traveler. Life Fitness has developed the new Discover SE3 console. The interface for cardio equipment provides an immersive experience for exercisers and integrates with many of the apps that they’re already using, including fitness apps and wearables.
- Variety: Guests don’t want to go into a hotel and see broken or antiquated equipment. We’ve been putting in more diverse new cardio options and are going away from individual strength stations and installing more functional equipment.”
We’ve seen the need for cardio equipment like the Life Fitness PowerMill Climber and Row GX trainer, alongside traditional treadmills and ellipticals. Smaller SYNRGY360 systems, which are a popular small group training solution in health clubs, are popping up in hotels as one-stop multifunctional training areas.
One update we’ve made is the use of flat screens in hotel fitness centers to constantly show video instructions for the proper use of equipment such as the SYNRGY360 unit, which provides nearly limitless workout variety. At Life Fitness, we think helping people get engaged and understand the product a little more is really important.
- Accessories: A smart offering of smaller workout accessories can provide exercisers with countless options besides standard cardio and strength equipment. A dedicated core training area is extremely important. It’s not just a stretch mat in the middle of a room, but a designated area with mats, medicine balls, kettle bells, etc.
Having great fitness products is essential, but the appeal falls flat if a hotel fitness center isn’t an environment where guests want to spend some time. Customization of equipment and intelligent color choices can elevate the experience. When it all works together, a premium fitness center creates an ambiance that guests will remember and want to come back to.
