It is probably a sign of the times we live in that websites like HotelGymReview.com are mushrooming over the Internet. A novel concept, the website provides valuable information regarding hotel fitness centers around the world.

Another website designed on similar lines, called AthleticMindedTraveler.com, provides recommendations for fitness focused hotels among other suggestions on staying fit & healthy while traveling.

Clearly, these websites are fulfilling the growing demand of fitness minded travelers who want to make sure their exercise routines and healthy lifestyles are not compromised even when they are on the road.

Hospitality Fitness: A Business Requirement

From top of the line properties to economy hotels, the hospitality industry has recognized the need of travelers to stay fit and realizes that offering them world class facilities where they can work out is no longer an option but a requirement of their business.

Several industry-wide surveys have been conducted to show that the presence of hotel fitness centers on a property forms an important part of a traveler's booking decision.

In fact, there is reason to believe that hard core fitness minded road warriors won't hesitate to sidestep hotels if their on-site health clubs don't match up to their expectations.

Given this fitness obsessed breed of guests, hotels have only one option – shape up or lose out!

But the important question that needs addressing is why hospitality fitness has become the rage that it has over the last few years? For one, people are becoming more and more fitness and health conscious given the rise in lifestyle related diseases that have their roots in physical inactivity.

Another reason is that traveling, especially extended business travel, can take a toll on anyone's health.

Most business trips end up having schedules that are packed with frequent meetings, irregular meals, networking over drinks and dinner, sightseeing and shopping for the wife and kids back home.

Aware that maintaining their regular exercise regimen in necessary to counter the ill-effects of long-term travel, guests seek out fitness facilities at the properties they stay in and not having one on their premises can cost hotels dear.

Hotel Fitness Solutions

Hotels are also responding to the asks of their fitness conscious guests by developing facilities that are modern and equipped with the best and latest exercise machines.

Realizing that the bottom line of their business and the satisfaction of their clients are hugely dependent on their fitness offerings, hotels and resorts are doing everything they can to attract guests with facilities that don't just meet, but actually beat their expectations.

While premium brands have taken the lead in sprucing up their hotel fitness centers, smaller budget hotels are also fast catching up in the race to offer the best of health amenities to their guests.

That's why for every Hilton that offers in-room workout facility, there is a Candlewood Suites with its 24-hour gymnasium and refreshment "cupboard" with a choice of healthy snacks to satisfy the post-workout hunger of its guests.

And if it's beyond the budget of a hotel to develop an on-site facility, it teams up with a local fitness studio to make sure its guests have a place to pump iron.

The only thing that a hospitality business needs to remember is that we live in the information age. Falsely marketing their fitness centers as state-of-the-art when they barely meet the requirements of a basic gym could prove counterproductive to their business.

An unsatisfied guest may be business lost forever!