*This guest post was written by Mike Manning. Mike blogs at http://mikemanningmusings.blogspot.com/
The Frustration of Inadequate Fitness Facilities
According to a survey conducted by Marriott Hotels, as many as 51 percent of travelers pack their gym shoes and workout clothes when traveling. While the trend in hotels seems to include a complete gym, pool and state-of-the-art workout facility, the reality can be quite different. Walking into a closet-sized “state-of-the-art” workout facility that has a few antiquated stationary bikes can be a huge disappointment.
Do Research Before You Travel
Don’t be surprised by lousy hotel gyms or sub-par fitness equipment. Simply do a little research and find out exactly what a hotel can offer before you book a room. On a recent trip to San Francisco I was able to secure a great hotel simply by checking a travel review site before booking that hotel. I was given a list of the best hotels in San Francisco and it was extremely easy to go through that list and see what amenities are offered and also see great reviews from people who have stayed there previously. A proper state-of-the-art hotel fitness facility should have cardio machines, treadmills, recumbent bikes, elliptical machines and free weights. All of the equipment should be no more than a few years old. Some hotel gyms offer free yoga or other fitness classes to their guests.
If adequate facilities are unavailable, check to see of there is an off-site fitness club or gym close by. Most offer a free pass that is valid for anywhere from 24 hours to a full seven days. Some hotels offer their guests free passes to these off site fitness facilities as part of their service. The key is to do some research before you book your travel.
Take Advantage of Fitness Services
Hotels aren’t alone in following the fitness trend demanded by more and more travelers. Airports are also aware of this growing trend. For travelers stressed by flying, San Francisco International Airport offers a convenient yoga/zen room. Fliers traveling through the Minneapolois/St.Paul International Airport can take advantage of marked indoor walking paths.
Don’t Forget About Healthy Eating
Most hotels have some sort of breakfast offering for their guests. Typically, these free breakfast buffets may be loaded with unhealthy choices like pastries, waffles and even biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. To remain fit and eat healthy, consider packing your own breakfast foods like trail mix or other nonperishable healthy items. Take along an instant oatmeal packet and use hot water from the coffee maker for a hot and healthy breakfast. If you must visit the free breakfast buffet, stick to foods like fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, berries, yogurt or almonds.
*Note from Billy – Mike makes some excellent point here about healthy eating. Another great way to stay on track nutritionally while on the road or at home is with meal replacements such as Isalean or Isalean pro.
Whether you stay in a hotel with state-of-the-art fitness facilities or not, you don’t have to disrupt your fitness routine. Forbes.com lists ways you can pack a workout, eat right and be good to your body – even when you’re on the road.