WEBSITE WEDNESDAY: YOUR AWAY GAME

6/28/2017

WEBSITE WEDNESDAY: MORE HOTELS WITH BENEFITS
There's more information for traveling runners and fitness buffs posted on the OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO! page.

HYATT: StayFit program; spotty website information
Last year my stay at the GRAND HYATT DENVER prompted a post about this hotel chain as one may be friendly to runners and exercise enthusiasts. I had been so very happy to find it had a roof-top oval track as well as indoor fitness center and pool.

A plaque on the wall next to the track announced the “StayFit” program. The Hyatt hotel information had been added to the OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Page. A search of the Hyatt website still does not include information about availability of this program system-wide. However, Hyatt hotels in select locations advertise this benefit. It would be wise to check with the desk before making reservations at the specific location at which you hope to stay to be assured a StayFit fitness center when traveling.

WESTIN: gear lending; New Balance + Peloton partnerships
Westin was the first hotel chain to be mentioned on this Earned Runs running + travel related webpage, for its partnership with New Balance to provide running shoes and apparel to needy patrons (for a $5 fee). According to an article in Competitor.com it now has added safety items like light-up shoe clips and reflective wrist-bands to its Gear Lending Program, although this is not mentioned on the system’s MOVE WELL webpage. The Starwood Hotel chain’s website indicates it also has a partnership with Peloton to provide cycling experiences. There also are 24/7 fitness studios, RunWESTIN Concierge services that include nearby safe 3-mile and 5-mile running routes, and in-room treadmills or stationary bikes advertised.

HILTON: proximity rules: "Five Feet to Fitness" rooms
Another hotel chain, Hilton, is reportedly pumping up its offerings to exercise buffs by introducing “Five Feet to Fitness” rooms, says its WELLNESS page. Select hotels will have rooms, for a $45 premium, with: GYM RAX storage bay containing all manner of equipment complete with a KIOSK of custom video workouts, a WATTBIKE, TRX equipment, and meditation apparatus. Also provided in-room is a “hydration station” with a selection of free re-hydrating fluids and Biofreeze topical analgesic for sore muscles. Why? The name says it all; some guests will want the convenience to perform workouts a mere 5 feet from their beds. Rooms in Hilton, Doubletree, and Curio are expected to offer this amenity.

It seems the competition is heating up to attract travelers who wish to continue with their regular exercise regimens while away from home, and perhaps pamper themselves during a potentially stressful trip with a special experience. Big city center hotels are most likely to be on the forefront of this movement, but smaller and more economical chains may get into the game as well, relatively soon.

NO CHOICE FITNESS STRATEGY
Some travelers might not have a choice in accommodations. You stay where companies dictate, at loyalty program member sites, where conventions or conference are hosted, or where deep discounts are offered. Your best fitness strategy is advance preparation.

Shopping for and bringing easily packable gear will insure you’ve got what you need when you need it. Checking online for the safest running routes/trails near your hotel’s location can determine whether you skip out the door, take a ride to, or find a nearby parking structure for a run. Running loops can be a very practical tactic under certain circumstances. Constructing a go-to ‘small space’ strength workout with resistance bands is another. Making use of the hotel hallway during quiet times of the morning can expand your exercise space.

Be creative. And be not afraid of what others might think! Big chains are courting exercise-loving travelers because there are many of you out there!!! Another traveler who gets a glimpse of you at 5am doing lateral bands walks in the hall outside your room might not be thinking how weird you look, but rather what a great idea for their next trip.

RUN HAPPY!

http://newsroom.hyatt.com/2005-11-03-Hyatt-Hotels-Resorts-Launches-Stayfit-Hyatt

http://fivefeettofitness.hilton.com

http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/31/travel-hotels-pu-t-mini-gyms-inside-guest-rooms.html

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/about/move-well.html

http://running.competitor.com/2017/06/news/hotels-creative-fit-traveling_165225

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Author

EARNED RUNS is edited and authored by me, runner and founder. I began participating in road races before 5Ks were common. I've been a dietitian, practiced and taught clinical pathology, and been involved with research that utilized pathology. I am fascinated with understanding the origins of disease as well as health.

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