Make your gym work out for you

AL KAMDA

With the region’s hotels offering some of the most luxurious and high-tech facilities, it is no surprise that guests expect a similar level of comfort and functionality from their health club, says Glenn Colarossi, hospitality division president at Cybex International and a spa consultant with 20 years’ experience.

“Guests want the best bed, the best view, the best shower and Jacuzzi tub, and so on. It only makes sense that they would be looking for the same quality in their fitness facility and equipment,” he says.

Firstly, hoteliers need to provide a more complete offering to achieve a “home away from home” feel, says Colarossi.

“Arc trainers and ellipticals are quickly gaining, if not surpassing, the treadmill in usage. Most hotels are quick to add treadmills, but they need to be aware of equipment usage trends.

“Space is always an issue, so make it inviting and choose a manufacturer whose equipment has a smaller footprint. Include entertainment on the cardio as well as on the wall. If you can add a steam and/or sauna that would greatly enhance the facility as well,” he says.

Colarossi adds: “Have athletic clothes available on loan so guests don’t have to fill their suitcases with their workout wear. As for “watching the bottom line”, have head office call manufacturers directly to discuss national account pricing and value adds they can offer to win the exclusive business of your brand”.

Story continues below

• Increasing memberships: Make sure you have a complete offering that caters to the local market. Perform a competition analysis and determine any weaknesses of your competitors and capitalise on that. Offer incentives such as preferred room rates for members’ guests, discount on renting meeting rooms, discount or preferred seating in F&B outlets — all of these items will prove to be tremendous value-adds for your members and bring additional revenue to the hotel.
• Gym integration: Make your entire hotel more “health conscious”. Have healthy choices on your menus, have smokeless rooms/floors, have air cleaners in the rooms, have healthy snacks in your mini bar, have proper signage and visibility, include the gym on your in-room channel or property tour, and make sure it is noted on your website with photos.
• Equipment choice: Select a manufacturer that has equipment with a small footprint if you need to maximise space. Additionally, we have a line of “duals” which has the ability to perform two exercises or more on a single piece of equipment. To achieve the best service, support and maintenance contract, negotiate a single vendor/supplier for your chain of hotels; this will provide you with the most leverage.

Product highlights

Cybex best sellers: Arc Trainer, 750 Treadmill, FT-450

New for 2009: Cybex FT-450 Functional Trainer

Cybex
Tel: +1 203 406 0635
Fax: +1 203 357 8813
Email: gcolarossi@cybexintl.com
Web: www.cybexhospitality.com