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If saying you’re going to hit the hotel gym is as far as your workout actually gets, you’re not alone. According to a recent study from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, which analyzed the finances of 33 hotels from six upscale and luxury brands to see how popular free in-room water bottles, free Wi-Fi, and fitness centers really were, all three offerings were underutilized. But in particular, hotel fitness centers saw low engagement rates, with 46 percent of travelers intending to use the amenity, but only about 22 percent actually doing so. The gym also yielded the lowest return on investment, which can't be welcome news for hotels, considering fitness facilities can cost more than $125,000 to install.
Nevertheless, the days of working out within the confines of four white walls seem to be mostly behind us. Since 2010, Westin Westin Hotels & Resorts have had a gear-lending program with fitness brand New Balance; general managers at Kimpton hotels lead morning runs around their cities; wellness retreats have popped up everywhere from India to Turks and Caicos; and super luxe gym giant Equinox is even set to open its own line of hotels in New York City's Hudson Yards in 2019.
No matter where travel takes you, if you’re in that 44 percent who wants to move, consider venturing out: Pound pavement in a faraway hub, take advantage of bike-sharing programs across the country and cycle a different city, or explore the boutique fitness scene of a metropolis nowhere near home. You’ll sneak in a workout and take in the sights of a new place—no dusty gym equipment in sight.