Looks like we have some traveling business men and people who are taking vacations. The weather is warming up and people are starting to move around alot. I spend some time hanging out in the BIFL threads contributing ideas and good choices when making purchases. Recently I posted this and it gave me pause that people in MRP would benefit from knowing how to work out when they spend time away from home.

Usually when I travel for business there are gyms in the facilities where I am. For instance the Jack St. Malo offshore platform had one of the best gyms I have ever seen. Other places are just smith machines, low weight dumbells, machines, etc... Take note that I will use machines when there is nothing else. The problem with the machine is when you set it on max weight (usually 200) and proceed to do a 20RM on it. You aren't really getting anything out of that kind of workout. When the weight is allowed, I bring a 10lb dumbbell barbell with me in case there are free weights for the Kroc Row.

I don't recommend planning your trips around using "machines just because" there is nothing else around. Quite a few trips I have made some gym plans and thought I could save some of you the headaches of doing the research yourself. Below are a listing of gyms I have personally used over the last two years, with some examples of equipment and costs.

Hotel Gym:

In all my years I have yet to see a hotel gym offer anything other than dumbbells (50lb max) or regular two stack machines. One time in Houston, TX at a Hampton Inn they had a Cable Motion machine that I couldn't quite figure it out. They do have cardio, and if there is nothing else you can do, at least hit the cardio machine. There was also a Hotel in Edmonton, AB that had a legit smith machine and it was kind of nice to see that sort of change in equipment.

Work Gym:

Usually your company will have some sort wellness plan, gym benefit, or actual onsite gyms. Bonus if the onsite gym is 24 hour access and has free weights. Triple extra bonus if the gym is discounted for LA Fitness or Lifetime Fitness. Those places are usually everywhere. In case of the onsite gym, plan your workout at the end of the day or beginning of the day if they also have showers.

Planet Fitness:

These box gyms are everywhere and best avoided when at all possible. Usually they don't allow you to drop the weights and most of them have removed their free weights. I heard it's because of insurance, but really I dont know the answer behind it. Expect to find dumbbells, smith machines, and thousands upon thousands of cardio machines.

LA Fitness:

This is usually my preferred gym when I am out of town and staying in Hotels. Typically they are pretty close to wherever you are. You don't need to be a member of one of the gyms, unless you want to be, you can also get a daily or weekly rate. Often times once you show your out of state drivers license they will let you use the gym a day or two for free. The gyms usually have the full range of all the equipment, including a hot tub, pool, and often times a steam room. When you are by yourself you can pretty much make a night out of it. Also, if you get in touch with the people roaming the floors you can get the spot for you or allow you to drop the weights when you are power cleaning.

Pricing can vary depending on where you go. If you go to the website you can get a free five day pass. Once, I had to pay $19.99 to get a week pass. Sweet talking the front desk staff and the actual sales person can go a long way towards free or heavily discounted.

Lifetime Fitness:

Same as LA Fitness but the quality and pricing varies to the extremes. Sometimes free, usually $19.99 if you have no member you can tag along with. You can sign up online to get a free pass, but when I tried at a different club the second time, I was unable to score the pass. Instead I was hit with a fee. If you only plan on one day of working out you might consider just using the hotel gym.

24 Hour Fitness:

Bonus is it's open for 24 hours. Downside is they have limited locations in some places and free weights could be a lot better. You can get yourself a free pass online too, but I don't have but one experience at this gym. Most have a steam room and a sauna.

Power Lifting Gyms:

My personal favorite when they are available. You can visit Powerlifting Watch and check into the powerlifting gyms. Many of them will let you have a few workouts for free, or as long as you are willing to help/showcase with their gym you can often score free training as well. Most of the ones that I have gone to are literally just free weights and strong man equipment. No frills, No thrills. Many of them don't provide help to people and some of them have actual training you pay for. Some of them have more amenities but they in the end are there only for heavy lifting.

Final Pro-Tips for all Gyms:

  • Always, always, always, bring a water bottle. 99% of these charge for everything.
  • Always bring your own sweat towel and shower towel.
  • If you shower, bring flip flops.
  • Got kids? Ask about the kids area.
  • If you are tired of the lines, ask to work in with someone doing similar weight.
  • Don't stare at women using the thigh adductor machine.
  • Observe Gym Etiquette at all times. You aren't special.
  • Be friendly.