Hotels That Put Your Fitness First

Long gone are the days when a hotel gym meant a small, smelly room tucked away in the basement that housed nothing more than a couple of treadmills and a few sad sets of hand weights. Hotels are increasingly going out of their way to provide guests with ingenious ways to work up a sweat. And their efforts are not going unnoticed.

According to a recent survey by the research firm MMGY Global, 45 percent of 18-to-35-year-olds, and 38 percent of 36-to-49-year-olds, say that a hotel’s wellness offerings influence where they decide to stay. Here are a few places whose commitment to fitness make them worth checking out (and checking into) during your travels.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Looking to take your yoga to new heights? Then sign up for the aerial yoga classes at this Arizona resort, where students use hammocks, fabric slings and other props to elevate their practice.

The Venetian Las Vegas

The Canyon Ranch SpaClub inside this luxe Vegas resort houses a 40-foot rock climbing wall where guests can practice their Spider-Man-like climbing skills.

Ritz Carlton Miami

Core Fusion is a ballet-inspired workout with a cult following, and guests at the Ritz can trade happy hour for a body-toning visit to a barre instead of a bar.

Westin Hotels (nationwide)

Forgetting your sneakers is no longer an excuse to skip your workout if you’re staying at a Westin. For just $5 you can rent New Balance workout gear (clothes and sneakers) during your visit. And if you want to take those New Balance kicks out for a run, check out the RunWESTIN program, which organizes guided 3- and 5-mile runs or provides maps to let you go it alone.

1 Hotel South Beach

Soul Cycle is arguably the hottest group-fitness class around, available only at select, boutique Soul Cycle facilities. But if you happen to be staying at this chic Miami hotel, you can cycle your way to sweaty nirvana without ever leaving the property.

Photo by: Andaz

Andaz

Andaz Maui at Wailae Resort

Want to combine the athleticism of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with the zen of yoga? Then head to the beach at this Hawaii resort for a session of SUP yoga. You get a killer workout for your core, improve your balance and get to enjoy the beauty of the ocean, all at the same time.

Photo by: Picasa

Picasa

TRYP by Wyndham Hotels (worldwide)

At this hotel chain, the workout can come to you. Book one of their “fitness rooms” and you’ll be checked into a room complete with a state-of-the-art elliptical machine, treadmill or stationary bike — and have the use of free workout gear.

Sally Wadyka is a Boulder, Colorado-based journalist who writes about nutrition, health and wellness.

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