Equipping your hospitality facility with high-quality fitness options no longer falls in the category of “nice to have.” According to a TripAdvisor survey, over half of travelers always or often exercise while traveling. There is also evidence to suggest that sub-par fitness equipment is part of the reason some guests choose not to exercise while traveling. Therefore, having quality fitness offerings could be the deciding factor between a traveler choosing to stay with you, or your competition down the street. While the ROI of hospitality fitness centers can be difficult to quantify, the true value and measure is customer satisfaction.
“One of the goals is to always try to exceed expectations for guests and it is an expectation that there will be a workout facility on the property,” said Steven Wallace, GM of Best Western Plus Boulder Inn in Boulder, Colorado. “I guess the answer is, if we did not have it, what would be the loss in revenue to the bottom line?”
To get the most value out of your fitness center, offer the type of equipment your guests will expect, while also including enough variety for all fitness levels and interests. The industry leading experts at Precor recommend the following guidelines based on their research and experience: 60% cardio equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, adaptive motion trainers (AMTs), and bikes), 20% strength machines (dumbbells, dual-exercise machines, and functional training cable machines), and 20% core activity equipment (stability balls, medicine balls, suspension straps, and mats).
While traditional pieces of equipment such as treadmills and stationary bikes are expected by travelers, they also anticipate seeing the newest and most advanced machines. Integrating technology is now critical to having a stand-out fitness facility. Customers expect online and on-demand entertainment on large crystal-clear screens as they exercise.
Consulting with the experts on our team can help you maximize your space, choose what guests will want to see when they enter the room, and keep your equipment running smoothly.
Wondering what else you can do to attract fitness-minded travelers and ensure they return?
1) Remember that fitness goes beyond exercise equipment. Make sure your property has healthy food offerings to accompany and support that high-quality fitness facility.
2) Set yourself apart from competition by addressing whole body fitness. Enhance your guest’s stay (and your bottom line) with added valuable services such as spa experiences, private training sessions, and group classes. Impress guests by offering a “relaxation zone” featuring HydroMassage chairs.
3) Invest in high-quality equipment and make sure the familiar bases are covered, such as dumbbells, treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. Commercial -grade equipment is well worth the investment to keep your machines running and guests happy year after year.
4) If you simply don’t have the space for a fitness facility, partner with a local fitness center to offer a high-quality nearby option for your guests.