Let’s be honest. Most hotel gyms suck. There are a few that are decent, a few that are amazing, and a lot more that are subpar. That leaves you with two options (well, really three, if you count skipping a workout as an option) to “do work” – figure it out with what you have and what you can carry, or find a *real* gym nearby that will let you workout without a membership.
Enter the guest pass. A quick phone calls to some gyms in the area and they can let you know what it costs for an out-of-towner to use the gym for the day. Depending where you are, this is often $10-15 a day, with no commitment and no annoying sales rep calls. $15 may seem steep for a one hour workout – and it is. If I know I’m in a place where the local gym wants to charge a high rate for use, I might only go there on the days when I need that equipment, like a heavy leg day, and complete my other workouts using equipment I’ve brought or modifying to use what’s available at the hotel. I have a handful of instances in which I got there and the kind person at the front desk let me workout for free {shoutout to you, guy working at the midtown Atlanta Anytime Fitness last month!}, but wouldn’t bank on it. You can also ask your hotel about deals they have with area gyms before you book. One of my favorite hotels – the Courtyard Dulles Town Center – has an agreement with the LA Fitness right behind the hotel. You better believe I stay there every time I’m in the area, which is a lot.
Traveling wrecks havoc on your body, from the sitting to the recirculated air. Get moving when you land!
guestpass
Note: the online advertised “free trial guest pass” that you see many gyms offer is typically only good for area residents – or at least those who are staying with someone with a local address.