The hotel chain EVEN Hotels is transforming the travel experience for fitness enthusiasts by offering workout equipment in every guest room. With a focus on wellness, the chain has expanded to 26 locations across the United States, including four in New York City—two in Midtown Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, and one in Queens. This initiative caters specifically to travelers who prioritize their fitness routines, allowing them to maintain their exercise regimen without leaving their accommodations.
John Beck, the Regional Operations Director of EVEN Hotel Times Square South, highlighted the convenience of having in-room fitness zones. “The in-room fitness zones are perfect for quick workouts on your own schedule, with no commute and no excuses,” he remarked. Each location features tailored exercise equipment, ensuring guests can engage in effective workouts at their convenience.
At the Times Square South location, guests can find essential fitness items such as a yoga mat, resistance bands, a stability ball, core sliders, and a fitness wall complete with guided stretch and strength routines. Additionally, on-demand fitness classes are available on the televisions in each room, providing further encouragement for travelers to stay active.
For those seeking more extensive workout options, EVEN Hotels also offers full-size gyms equipped with machines like rowers and stationary bikes. This combination of in-room fitness and gym access has proven appealing to visitors in New York City, many of whom travel for fitness-related events such as marathons and yoga retreats. Beck shared a recent story of a guest participating in the NYC Half Marathon, who specifically chose EVEN Hotels for the ability to stretch and foam roll in their room before the race, followed by recovery with smoothies and protein-packed meals.
Since the launch of the first EVEN Hotels in 2014, the concept of incorporating fitness into travel has gained traction. Other hotel chains, such as those under the Hilton brand, have begun to adopt similar strategies. Hilton’s “Five Feet to Fitness” program offers rooms equipped with various exercise tools, including a Gym Rax storage bay, a kiosk for guided workouts, a TRX suspension trainer, and a stationary bike. Nearby locations include the DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station and the Hilton Garden Inn Islip.
For those questioning the feasibility of exercising in limited space, personal trainer Krista Stryker, known as “The 12 Minute Athlete,” has designed workouts specifically for small environments. She has previously shared a 12-minute routine that involves six exercises, each performed for 30 seconds, with a 10-second rest in between. This routine exemplifies how travelers can stay active even in confined spaces.
In a world where maintaining health and wellness is becoming increasingly important, EVEN Hotels is paving the way for fitness-conscious travelers. The combination of in-room equipment and comprehensive gym facilities is a refreshing approach that caters to a growing demand for healthier travel options. As more hotel chains recognize this trend, the landscape of travel accommodation continues to evolve, providing guests with opportunities to enhance their well-being while away from home.
