Today, Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com are pleased to host Jim Kaese, an elite amateur triathlete, entrepreneurial businessman, and endurance sports coach.
Author of The Athletic-Minded Traveler: Where to Work Out and Stay When Fitness is a Priority,
Jim visited the top 78 travel destinations in the United States to find the best hotel/gym-venue combinations.
Welcome Jim to Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com.
Standard:
Can you tell us a little about yourself, Jim, and what motivated you to write about the best hotel and gym combinations?
James:
Over the years, I have traveled quite a bit for work and pleasure. In addition to finding places to stay that match my budget and service preferences, I always tried to identify hotels that offered good fitness options. Time and time again, however, I would show up at the hotel and discover that the state-of-the-art gym was a closet-sized room filled with old or broken equipment. However, the training pool was a short oval with no lane lines. However, the running routes consisted of a map provided by the concierge that instructed guests to jog through the hotel streets 10 times. I was amazed how these hotels could make such blatant misrepresentations. So, I decided to write the first cross country guide that objectively recommends the BEST places to stay for those who enjoy healthy living and staying fit.
Standard:
Do you think that if couples are looking for the ideal romantic getaway they should also consider sports facilities, and if so, why?
James:
I think the quality of sports facilities should be taken into account by everyone, including couples on a romantic getaway. Exercise not only helps boost your immune system, reduce stress, and improve your sleep habits; It also helps your sex life. Studies have shown that healthy people have better sex and tend to be happier. And I think it’s important to emphasize that when I say exercise, I don’t mean an hour of intense running or lifting weights in the gym; 20 minutes of brisk walking can be enough.
Standard:
If you had to name 5 ideal hospitality properties for a romantic getaway that combine a unique romantic atmosphere with excellent exercise facilities, which ones would you choose and why?
James:
· San Francisco is one of my favorite romantic cities — the bridge, the fog, the rain, the restaurants and the cultural offer create a perfect setting for a wonderfully romantic trip. Any of the SFO hotels in my book would be a great mix of fitness and romance, but Hotel Rex is the best deal for the money. A small, intimate hotel property just steps from Union Square and China Town, Rex also offers guests a discounted pass to a fantastic (but small) health club down the street, Club One.
· If money is not an issue, The Miraval Spa and Resort in Tucson is a wonderful getaway for couples looking to stay fit and pampered. All meals are included, as well as any type of exercise option you can think of: horseback riding, swimming, rock climbing, etc.
· For those looking to add a little more party to their trip, Miami’s South Beach hotels are full of romance. The Shore Club, Delano, Ritz, and National are all in the book, bringing lots of love and vibrancy to their guests.
The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs is a stunning resort surrounded by serene lakes and mountain scenery. The Broadmoor Fitness Center and Spa is well-equipped with modern machines and a regulated lap pool. And nearby trails create fantastic opportunities for jogging and mountain biking.
New York City can never be left off the romance list. Several properties are exceptional romantic destinations, but Le Parker Meridien, across the street from Central Park, tops my list. It’s New York, so expect small but cozy hotel rooms. The Scandinavian flair, great views, and extensive on-site gym make it one of the best.
Standard:
Why should couples worry about physical activities when on a romantic getaway or honeymoon?
James:
Exercising for just 20 to 30 minutes each day will give you a healthy start to the day and help you make better decisions for the rest of the day. Then enjoying little treats like your favorite slice of cake or a few cocktails or sitting by the pool for six hours won’t seem like much. Don’t forget about that enhanced sex too!
Standard:
How can we determine the quantity, quality and brand of exercise equipment in the recommended hotels if we have never been there?
James:
I bought The Athletic Traveler (laughs). In addition to providing a full written review covering everything you want to know (room appearance, room service, free breakfast buffets, linen thread counts, etc.) about each property, we also specifically detail in graphic form the number of exercise machines, their condition, brands, weight/resistance options, pool dimensions, running routes, etc. But if you’re going to a city that isn’t listed in the book, your best bet is to call the concierge and ask specific questions. Sometimes it even helps to confirm with the maintenance workers.
Standard:
Very often, when we are on vacation, we seem to return home completely relaxed, albeit very out of shape. How do we avoid this?
James:
Make exercise a part of your daily routine, like taking a shower or brushing your teeth. When you think about it, 20 minutes is not a long time. Especially during the holidays, when you don’t have to worry about going to work and all the other hassles at home.
Standard:
There is always the temptation to overeat when on vacation. How can we fight against this temptation and at the same time continue to enjoy it?
James:
As I said before, exercise will allow you to not worry so much about what you eat and drink. You may end up consuming more calories, but being active and exercising should help burn them off fairly easily.
Standard:
Are there any foods we should avoid when on vacation, and if so, why?
James:
Vacations are supposed to be a break from all the troubles and worries, right? When I go away, I like to eat the local food and experience the local customs without worrying about how many calories are in my dinner etc. Knowing that I did my daily training ensures that everything I eat will pay off that same day or the next. So no, don’t worry about avoiding certain foods, just make sure you break a sweat every day.
Standard:
Is there anything else you would like to add?
James:
It’s just that I’ve been touched by the number of people who have written to us saying they’re so happy we wrote this book because they were also constantly frustrated by the travel industry’s ignorance of fitness preferences. Letters and emails have poured in from high-level athletes, as well as people who exercise for pleasure, who just like to spend 20 minutes on a good elliptical machine or bike. Our goal has always been simply to provide a trusted resource that would help people enjoy a healthy lifestyle while traveling. So far, it seems that we have succeeded.
Visit SOCAL PRESS.COM to view a sample chapter and find out more about The Athletic-Minded” Traveler, a one-of-a-kind travel resource for those who enjoy a healthy lifestyle and exercise while traveling.