Exclusive Feature: Recent years have shown a trend in what travelers look for in a hotel, they're forming new expectations based on what's popular to enjoy in their daily lives, which means personal fitness has become a bigger priority.

It used to be accepted that hotels would offer the standard treadmills and ellipticals, but now guests want a more immersive experience. That means hotel management must take their fitness facilities to the next level, but what does that look like?

Read on to learn how you can transform your hotel fitness facility into something that draws more guests in. The consideration will lead to better visitor experiences and reviews, generating more business in the future.

Fitness Channels Are Used

TVs are standard in fitness facilities, since more people will exercise if they have something to watch and keep their mind off their workout. Your gym transformation may need to begin with what's playing on the fitness facility TVs.

Upgrading your cable package to include fitness channels opens up a new variety of options for guests. They can browse a menu and choose which program they want to try, instead of only being able to use a treadmill or other traditional equipment.

Take things a step further by offering kits that go along with fitness classes. A yoga kit might contain a simple mat and an extra towel, with other options like nonslip socks available for purchase at the front desk.

More Classes Are Offered

Fitness classes can also be taken in a different direction for hotel guests. Consider hiring instructors who can offer a new experience, all included in the room rate.

Many hotels are jumping on board with this idea. Some provide hula hoop classes that are cardio and resistance-training focused. Others teach aerial yoga or even simple weight training classes.

Think about the space you must work with in your facility to determine if extra classes with instructors is a possibility.

Outdoor Facilities Are Built

Many guests are used to indoor gyms, but there's an even greater draw to places that also provide an outdoor fitness facility.
Some combine their leisure areas with outdoor classes, like interval training sessions that are held on garden terraces. The Park Hyatt Chicago does this and creates a superlative experience for guests who want a view of the city while they train.

Other hotels create outdoor pools, like the Dolphin and Swan Resorts in Orlando. These are meant for lap swimming, so leisure pools are built separately and typically kept indoors.

Another way to engage guests with new fitness facilities is to invest in outdoor fitness equipment. Simple equipment like balance boards, body curl stations and pull up bars are affordable and easily installed in a grassy space next to any hotel.

Partnerships Are Formed

Hotels with access to a bigger budget may be interested in partnering with local health clubs. They can come to your venue a few times a week and conduct their normal classes, like CrossFit or PureBarre.

Everyone involved in this kind of partnership benefits. The hotel will draw in more guests who already go to the health clubs and don't want to stop while they're away from home.

The clubs can also be more easily used by people who may want to try them out, without disrupting their travel schedule to go somewhere off-site.

App-Based Fitness Is Introduced

Another easy way to take your fitness facility to the next level is to connect everyone to a fitness app. Guests can use it to keep track of their workouts while they're at the hotel, making it easier to stay on track with their fitness goals.

Some machines even do this on their own. It may be in your best interest to upgrade your facility's equipment so they're more user-friendly by connecting to apps through the hotel's Wi-Fi.

Promotions Excite Guests

Whatever you decide is right for your hotel's fitness facility, make sure to promote it to all returning and new guests. They'll be more excited to stay at your venue if they know they can try something new. It will also show that the hotel is always looking to improve visitors' experiences.

This is strictly an exclusive feature, reprints of this article in any shape or form without prior written approval from 4Hoteliers.com is not permitted.

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!

www.driftercollective.com