For more than 25 years, Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group, LLC has made sure it’s delivered on a fitness program geared to the needs of guests who frequent the brand’s often eclectic hotels.
“Gone are the days of dimly lit and cold spaces that hotels used to call ‘gyms.’ Today’s fitness centers are vibrant and aim to reflect more of its user’s energy through better use of space and color,” said David Sussman, senior vp of hotel development and design for Kimpton. “With the advent of personal electronics and their increasing capability for video and audio, we’re seeing both savvy and casual fitness-oriented guests who are looking for fitness centers that not only will allow them to utilize their own personal electronics with the fitness equipment, but also allow them to track their continued workout progress on applications and software preloaded into their PDAs.”
While Kimpton is known for its forward-thinking designs, all style and no substance is far from what the brand delivers with its workout programs. “We have found having a truly functional fitness center is what’s most important to our guests. This means giving guests the equipment and amenities they’re accustomed to at their own personal or local gym,” Sussman said.
The fitness centers feature Precor machines, many with personal viewing screens on cardio equipment and adapters that can accommodate MP3 players. “The adaptive motion trainer and elliptical machines are the most popular, as they provide a low-impact workout and feature [those]technological amenities,” Sussman said. Fitness center core training accessories include balance, medicine and bosu balls plus free weights for strength training.
Sussman noted Kimpton’s own brand of In-Room Yoga that’s accompanied by an exclusive yoga instructional channel in all its hotels also gives guests “the flexibility to work out in the comfort and privacy of their rooms and on their own schedule.”
At several properties, “Kimpton Specialty Rooms” are available. They feature workout equipment or offer dedicated yoga space. “Having a well-equipped fitness center, in-room yoga program and specialty rooms give our guests what they need and, in turn, help build brand loyalty” Sussman said.
