How to Start a Hotel Gym Guide
The Editors
Starting a hotel gym can be a great way to enhance your guests' experience and provide an additional revenue stream for your hotel. Here are some steps to get started:
Determine your target market
Consider who will use the gym and what they might need or want. For example, is your hotel catering to business travelers or families with children?
Decide on the type of gym
Choose between a full-service fitness center or a smaller, simpler setup. Consider factors such as budget, space, and staff.
Design the space
Plan the layout of the gym and consider how much space you need. Think about how you will organize the equipment, store the weights, and create a changing area for guests.
Choose equipment
Decide what type of fitness equipment is necessary for your gym. For example, consider a mix of cardio and strength-training machines, along with some free weights. We included some of the best gym equipment for all budgets below to help get you started.
After checking out the equipment below, checkout our guide to the Best Plate-Loaded Exercise Equipment for your gym. If this article wasn't quite right and instead you're looking at starting a corporate gym, we've got the best short guide for you. Kettlebells are the hottest gym item right now that are making waves and a must have for any gym, we show you how to choose the best Kettlebells.
Best Overall Treadmill
The NordicTrack T Series Treadmills are an excellent choice for those looking for high-quality, reliable, and feature-packed home gym equipment. These treadmills offer a smooth and quiet operation, thanks to their powerful motors and sturdy construction. They also come with a variety of pre-set workout programs and user-friendly touchscreens that make it easy to track your progress and customize your exercise routine. The adjustable incline and speed features allow you to mimic outdoor terrain, making your workouts more challenging and interesting. Additionally, the cushioned deck reduces impact on your joints, providing a comfortable workout experience. Overall, the NordicTrack T Series Treadmills are a great investment for anyone who wants to stay fit and healthy from the comfort of their own home.
Best Weight Bench
The FLYBIRD Weight Bench is an excellent choice for a multi-purposed gym bench. This bench is adjustable and can be easily modified to suit a variety of strength training exercises. The bench is well-built and sturdy, allowing for a full-body workout with confidence. The fast folding feature makes it easy to store when not in use, saving space in your home gym. The new version of the bench is an improvement over the previous models, offering a more comfortable and durable experience. Overall, I highly recommend the FLYBIRD Weight Bench for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable piece of fitness equipment.
Best Dumbbell Set
The WF Athletic Supply Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells are a fantastic addition to any gym setup. The rubber casing provides a durable and long-lasting surface, preventing damage to flooring and reducing noise during use. The contoured rubber handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing for longer and more effective workouts. The hexagonal shape of the dumbbells offers stability and prevents rolling, making them a safe option for home use. These dumbbells are suitable for a variety of exercises, making them a great choice for muscle toning, strength building, and full-body workouts. Overall, I would highly recommend the WF Athletic Supply Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells to anyone looking for a quality set of dumbbells for their home gym.
Best Multi-Choice Dumbbell Set
The WF Athletic Supply Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set is a versatile and convenient option for gym enthusiasts. The rubber coating provides a durable surface and prevents damage to flooring, while the hexagonal shape keeps the weights from rolling. The multiple weight choices available make it easy to find the perfect set for your fitness goals, with options ranging from 200 to 3000 pounds. The set is available with a rack stand and mat, or as dumbbells only, providing added convenience and customization. The rack stand is sturdy and well-made, offering safe and organized storage for the dumbbells. The mat helps to protect flooring and reduce noise during use. Overall, the WF Athletic Supply Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell Set is a great choice for those looking for a complete and durable gym solution.
Best Medicine Ball Set
The CAP Barbell Rubber Medicine Ball Set with Rack is a great investment for those looking to incorporate functional training into their workouts. The medicine balls are made of durable rubber and are available in a range of weights, allowing for progressions as you get stronger. The included rack is sturdy and well-made, providing a safe and convenient way to store the medicine balls when not in use. The rack also saves space and keeps your workout area organized. These medicine balls are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises, making them a great choice for full-body workouts and core training. Overall, the CAP Barbell Rubber Medicine Ball Set with Rack is a great addition to any gym setup, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a complete and effective functional training solution.
Best Lat Pull Down Machine
This XMark LAT Pull Down and Low Row Cable Machine is a versatile and high-quality piece of exercise equipment. With the added accessory package, including a chinning triangle, single grip handles, triceps rope, curl bar, and press down bar, users have a range of upper body exercises to choose from. The machine is designed with strength in mind, featuring nylon-coated aircraft quality cables with a 2200 pound tensile strength rating and 400 pound maximum load capacity. Additionally, the 11-gauge steel mainframe and baked scratch-resistant powder coat finish make the machine stable and comfortable to use, with extra thick cushioning and oversized vinyl-covered pads. The chrome-plated lat pulldown and low row bars are well designed and come with texturized rubber handgrips. The machine has a minimal footprint, performs smoothly, and looks great in any home gym. Overall, the XMark LAT Pull Down and Low Row Cable Machine is a great investment for those looking for a high-quality strength training machine.
Best Exercise Yoga Mat
Whether you are stretching, watching yoga or exercise classes, or doing your own exercise routine, this premium mat gives you the extra cushion you need. With two sides of non slip material, rest assured that this mat will prevent injuries. This mat comes with an easy strapping mechanism to roll the mat up nicely and store away when you’re done. This mat is also moisture resistant so you can easily clean after working out. At this price point, this is your ideal exercise mat, one reviewer wrote in saying “fantastic given its inexpensive price.”
Best Bench Press With Squat Rack
The Body Champ Olympic Weight Bench with Squat Rack Included is a versatile and convenient solution for home gym enthusiasts. The two-piece set includes a weight bench and a squat rack, making it a complete and compact setup for full-body workouts. The bench is adjustable and can be easily modified to suit a variety of exercises, making it a great choice for strength training. The squat rack provides a safe and stable platform for squats and other exercises, allowing for more effective workouts. The bench is well-made and sturdy, providing a comfortable and durable experience. The grey finish gives it a stylish and modern look, making it a great addition to any home gym setup. Overall, I would highly recommend the Body Champ Olympic Weight Bench with Squat Rack Included to anyone looking for a complete and effective strength training solution for their home gym.
Hire staff
Decide if you need a gym attendant or personal trainer. Consider the number of hours you want the gym to be open, and how you will manage staffing and training.
Promote your gym
Use your website and social media platforms to let your guests know about your new gym. Offer incentives to encourage them to use it, such as discounts or complimentary gym passes.
Consider additional amenities
Think about what other amenities you can offer your guests, such as towels, water bottles, or healthy snacks.
Conclusion
Starting a hotel gym can be a lucrative venture that appeals to fitness-conscious guests. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article and choosing the right equipment, you can create a functional and attractive gym that meets the needs of your guests. From treadmills and free weights to yoga mats and medicine balls, the options for gym equipment are vast. However, with careful consideration and research, you can make informed decisions about what products to include in your hotel gym to provide a high-quality fitness experience for your guests.