Joining Gyms Abroad: A Traveler's Guide

how to join a gym abroad while traveling

Staying fit while travelling is a priority for many people, and there are several ways to join a gym while abroad. Firstly, it is a good idea to research the local area and what is available. Check if your accommodation has a gym or pool, or if there is a local gym where you can purchase a short-term membership. Many well-known gym chains offer day passes, and some independent gyms offer discounted rates for travellers through the TrainAway mobile app. If you are staying in a hotel, ask the concierge for gym recommendations, or look for apps that allow you to purchase day passes to gyms worldwide.

Characteristics Values
Choose a hotel with a gym Larger, branded hotels in a four-star or higher category are likely to have a gym
Seek out local gym chains Well-known fitness centres like Equinox, Crunch, Golds and LA Fitness typically offer day passes
Ask your hotel about partnerships with local gyms Your hotel may have a partnership with a local gym
Use an app to find gyms worldwide Apps like Zeamo allow you to explore and purchase day passes to gyms worldwide
Take a fitness class Boxing, cycling, yoga, pilates and HIIT are some popular options
Hire a private instructor Private instructors can provide a customised and personalised program

quartzmountain

Research gym options in your destination country

Researching gym options in your destination country is a crucial step to ensure you can maintain your fitness routine while travelling. Here are some detailed tips to find the best gym options abroad:

Utilise Online Resources

Start by conducting a simple Google search to identify gyms close to your destination. Google Maps can be a helpful tool to locate nearby gyms, and you can also explore their websites to learn more about the facilities, amenities, and services offered. Google Business Profile allows you to read reviews and compare ratings to make an informed decision. Other online platforms like Zeamo, an app with over 25,000 gyms worldwide, can be beneficial for purchasing day passes and learning about gym facilities.

Contact the Gyms Directly

Once you've identified potential gyms, contact them directly via email or online forms. Inquire about guest visit options and rates, as many gyms offer day passes or trial memberships. This proactive approach ensures you receive timely and informative responses, helping you make an informed decision.

Explore Local Boutique Gyms

If large branded health clubs are not available or accessible, consider local boutique gyms. These are typically smaller, independently owned gyms that often offer affordable day rates for visitors. They can be a great option, especially if you're travelling in Southeast Asia or Europe, where day rates tend to be lower.

Consult with Your Accommodation

If you're staying in a hotel or a similar accommodation, consult with the concierge or staff. They may have partnerships with local gyms or can recommend nearby options. This can save you time and provide insights into the best gyms in the area.

Consider Mobile Applications

Take advantage of mobile applications that allow you to browse and compare thousands of fitness facilities worldwide. These apps often provide direct contact information and the ability to pay for gym services directly through the app, making it a convenient and efficient way to find and access gyms abroad.

By following these steps, you can effectively research gym options in your destination country, ensuring you can maintain your fitness routine and achieve your physical and mental health goals while travelling.

quartzmountain

Opt for a hotel with a gym

If you're looking to maintain your fitness routine while travelling, one of the simplest solutions is to opt for a hotel with a gym. Many larger, branded hotels in the four-star or higher category are likely to have a gym that meets your needs. This option can be particularly convenient, as it allows you to work out without leaving the hotel premises.

When making a hotel reservation online, it's easy to check the complimentary amenities offered and whether the hotel has a gym. The confirmation email you receive after booking should also specify which services are included in the nightly rate, as access to fitness facilities is often included.

However, it's important to note that some hotels may charge a small surcharge or additional fee for using their gym facilities. This is usually indicated on the search results page when you're researching accommodation options. If the hotel gym is open 24 hours, paying an hourly rate can be worth it, especially if it helps combat jet lag after a long journey.

Some hotels may also offer the option of hiring a personal fitness trainer during your stay. This can be a great way to ensure you stay on track with your fitness goals while travelling.

To access the hotel gym, you will typically need to bring your room key card or identify yourself with an exclusive password. It's important to be mindful of capacity regulations and respect other guests' time and space.

Additionally, remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes when using the gym, and bring a towel to wipe down the equipment after use.

quartzmountain

Look for day passes at local gyms

When you're travelling, it can be tricky to find a gym that suits your needs. One of the simplest ways to get your fitness fix is to look for day passes at local gyms. This option is often cheaper than buying a membership, and it's a great way to try out a variety of gyms in the area you're visiting.

Day pass rates can vary depending on the company and location. For example, in the US, day passes can range from $5 to $50 per day. In Eastern Europe and Asia, you can expect to pay less than in Paris or New York City. In large cities and popular tourist destinations, day passes can be more expensive, so it's worth shopping around.

Some well-known fitness centres, like Equinox, Crunch, Golds, and LA Fitness, offer day passes, but these are mostly available in domestic destinations and big cities. To get access to these gyms while travelling, you can call ahead or go online to request a three-day trial. This is a great way to try out the gym without committing to a membership.

If you're travelling outside of the US, local boutique gyms are a good option. These are usually independently owned and operated, and they often offer affordable day rates for visitors. In Southeast Asia and Europe, day rates can be as low as $2 to $10.

To find gyms that offer day passes, you can try a Google search or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations. There are also apps like Zeamo and TrainAway that allow you to search for gyms worldwide and purchase day passes directly from your device. These apps can be helpful if you're short on time and want to find a gym quickly.

Travel Plans on Unemployment Benefits

You may want to see also

quartzmountain

Try boutique gyms for affordable rates

If you're travelling and want to maintain your fitness routine, one option is to look for local, independent gyms, also known as boutique gyms. These gyms are usually owned by a single person and are often more likely to offer affordable day rates for visitors.

For example, if you're travelling in Southeast Asia or Europe, you can find daily rates at these gyms for as little as $2 to $10.

To find these gyms, you can try a Google search or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations. You can also try using apps like Zeamo, which allow you to explore and purchase day passes to gyms all over the world.

When considering a boutique gym, it's a good idea to tour the facility before committing. This will help you determine if the equipment and facilities meet your expectations and needs.

Additionally, don't be afraid to negotiate with the gym staff. Small, independently-owned gyms may have more flexibility with their rates, so it's worth asking about potential discounts or promotions.

By taking advantage of boutique gyms, you can maintain your fitness routine while travelling, without breaking the bank.

quartzmountain

Use apps to find gyms and buy day passes

If you're looking to join a gym while travelling, apps can be a convenient way to find gyms near you and buy day passes. This saves you the hassle of researching and contacting gyms that may or may not offer day passes.

One such app is Gymsurfing, which helps travellers book day passes to professional gyms with their smartphones, without needing to plan ahead. The app shows you gyms nearby and the price of a day pass, as well as other amenities such as the type of equipment they have and whether they have pools, saunas, or spas. Gyms on the app range from corporate-style with state-of-the-art equipment to old-school bodybuilding and family-style establishments, with day passes costing between $5 to $20. Gymsurfing is currently available in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, and Toronto, with plans to expand to other cities.

Another option is the TrainAway app, which provides access to over 1500 gyms in more than 45 countries. With TrainAway, you can buy flexible day and week passes on your phone, giving you gym access in just a couple of minutes. No subscriptions or commitments are needed. TrainAway also has a web platform that you can use to search for gyms and book passes.

Similar apps include OmFinder, which helps users find nearby yoga classes, and GymPoints, which helps users find US gyms that provide one-time day passes and drop-in classes for activities such as martial arts or Pilates.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Hussle app offers discounted access to a network of gyms, pools, and spas. With Hussle, you can pay per visit, starting at £4.95, or purchase a monthly pass for access to multiple gyms, starting at £21.99 per month. There are no contracts, and you can cancel anytime. Hussle is currently available in the UK.

Maldives Travel: Days Needed

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

You can try searching online for gyms in the area, but this can be overwhelming. A better option is to ask your hotel's concierge to recommend a nearby gym, or to ask if your hotel has a partnership with any local gyms.

Well-known fitness centres like Equinox, Crunch, Golds and LA Fitness often offer day passes, but they are mostly limited to metropolitan locations. Day pass rates vary depending on the company and location. Planet Fitness, for example, offers day passes for as little as $10 in small towns and up to $50 per day in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City.

If you're travelling abroad, local boutique gyms are a great option. These are usually operated by a single owner and often offer affordable day rates for visitors.

You can also try apps like Zeamo, which allow you to explore and purchase day passes for gyms all over the world.

If you're not interested in joining a gym while travelling, there are plenty of other ways to stay active. You can try taking a studio class, such as boxing, cycling, yoga, pilates or HIIT. Alternatively, you can hire a private instructor or coach, although this can be quite expensive. Other options include renting a bike, going on a walking tour, or simply working out in your hotel room.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment