Health & Fitness 2011 – Get Your Facility in Shape
I know, here we go again with those New Year’s Resolutions! The ones made in fitness, however really have their place. Health and vitality is not about constructing a utilitarian surrounding or unwavering schedule whenever or wherever one does their “working out”. What we know today is that it's far more important to establish a commitment to exercise by insuring that fitness space is accessible, convenient, and most of all fun! So, yes, after the leisure of the holidays, most of us understand that it’s time to recommit and find energy in working out whether at the gym, on the road, or today even at the office. Your guests need you now more than ever. The article below, recently published in The Washington Post, establishes how the Hospitality industry continues to respond to the growing demand of fitness minded guests. The good news is that AFP is always here to help, and there are some exciting new products on the horizon that might just be a great way to get your fitness center in shape for the new year!
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Bryan Green, President & CEO
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Hotel Gyms Get Fitter:
Most Properties See Modern Facilities as a Requirement
Featured In The Washington Post, December 31, 2010
By Andrea Sachs, Washington Post Staff Writer
After years of neglect, hotel fitness centers are finally getting into shape.
In the before picture, we see a wimpy gym housed in a claustrophobic, overheated room sparsely furnished with a garage sale assortment of equipment. With rusting parts and zero ventilation, the facility could be ruled a health risk. But the dawning of the age of health consciousness has sparked an evolution of fitness centers, sending subpar gyms the way of the bedside ashtray.
"I've seen a huge change," said Denise Austin, an established fitness expert who frequently finds herself working out in hotels. "Years ago, there was a small room that you opened with a card key. It would have a little treadmill, a few tiny weights, maybe a mat. And there would be one man in there. It was creepy. But now hotels are trying to make it a priority. They are building full-service fitness centers with spas and pools."
Today's fitness rooms are pumped up on adrenaline, replicating guests' hometown gyms with highly advanced cardio and strength-training machines, separate areas for yoga and stretching, and classes for muscle and mind. Some hotels have even devised services to address the unique challenges facing fitness-minded travelers, such as remembering to bring their sneakers. But mainly, the upgraded facilities advance a central goal: to help guests comfortably maintain their routine away from home, thus avoiding bringing home extra pounds of baggage.
"Over the course of 20 years, fitness centers have gone from optional to required," said John Sarver, director of design and development at Hotel Fitness Club, which creates hotel fitness centers and products. "The rooms weren't matching what consumers wanted."
Through surveys and studies, the industry has learned that travelers place a high priority on fitness centers and may pass on a property if it lacks one. Sarver says the presence or availability of a gym is one of the top three factors influencing booking decisions, after location and price, and is among the most desired amenities.
Continue reading this article at afproducts.com...
For information regarding Advantage Fitness Products
visit www.AFProducts.com, email info@afproducts.com
or call 310-559-9949.
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Star Trac’s eSpinner®
Take the experience out of the group cycling room and onto the cardio floor so all users of all levels and abilities can experience the fun, energy and excitement of a Spinning® class whenever they want. More...
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Star Trac & AFP Execute
Multi-Year Agreement
In December 2010, Star Trac and AFP signed an exclusive, multi-year agreement for sales and service of Star Trac products nationwide. Details following in the official press release. More...
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Lofts at Promenade
When Lyon Communities began renovation of their downtown Long Beach marquee property, Lofts at Promenade, they partnered with AFP to develop their full-scale roof top Sky Fit Health Club. More...
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