Exercise is part of my daily bread. Whenever my longtime travel writer/partner and I head out on vacation or business we always inquire about fitness options wherever we are scheduled to stay.

That was the case on a recent trip down to Clearwater, Fla., for a quick vacation at the recently-opened Hyatt Regency. With its highly visible pink/flamingo exterior and a gleaming interior that was a definite shout out of “new” plus a totally cool and hip staff it proved to be an ideal vacation spot.

We had been told that there would be a state-of-the-art Fitness Center and that was pretty much spot on. There was brand new fitness equipment, enough so that I would be able to get in a very decent workout, and enough space that I could actually stretch out and move about without becoming up close and personal with the person to my left or right.

Getting in your neighbor’s face is sometimes the case when hotels convert one of their standard rooms into a so-called mini-fitness space that jams an all-purpose weight training machine, a limited number of free weights and a couple of prerequisite cardio machines in the same space.

Today Fitness Centers cater to a more sophisticated well-informed public. Age is relative. Now 60 is the new 40 and 70 is just a blip on your Spinning Class radar. With all the statistics about the cost of health care more and more people are beginning to appreciate the value of a good fitness routine.

With the advent of reality television shows like “The Biggest Looser” gyms have literally cleaned up their act and gone state-of-the-art which means that the hospitality industry has come to realize that the added amenity of a sleek modern fitness facility with well thought out exercise equipment has become as big a draw as the swimming pool, kids game room and the free breakfast.

What is even more noticeable to me is the development of an international language of fitness. No matter where I travel in or out of the country communicating with locals or travelers you meet there is a commonality that requires no special communication skills to speak “fitness”.

The Hyatt in Clearwater also offered massages and I would recommend that anytime this service is offered and if you can afford the cost- some are more elaborate therefore more expensive-jump on it.

I was fortunate to have a very professional young lady who knew her kinesiology and did a great job addressing the muscles that ached the most from my free weight workout. In the past I might have been more squeamish (call it sexist) about a female masseuse, but like so many other antiquated ideas of this nature time has marched on.

Fitness Centers and massages aside, being able to continue your fitness schedule even on vacation is most important if for no other reason than the fact that you will be munching on all the worst kinds of unhealthy rich foodstuffs which is how it should be or why bother going on vacation?

TRAVELING TIPS FOR KEEPING FIT

Remember to scope out your options for maintaining your workouts before you go. Rarely is there a resort now that does not have a fitness facility. Inquire as to what they offer in the way of machines for weights as well as cardio plus free weights should you want that as well.

If you are headed to a metropolitan location also inquire as to other fitness options. If you are a runner check for maps that outline the safest and best areas to run or if you bike ask for information regarding rentals of bikes as well as best biking trails.

In Portland, one of the best biking towns in the country, there were a number of bike rental companies available to arrange on your own or through the concierge at the hotel.

Biking can also be a family affair with bikes in all sizes.

If you land where there is no indoor pool in the winter check at the desk at your hotel for the nearest location where one might be.

And of course there is the obvious walk which in a place like New York City can be both beneficial to your health and a treat for your eyes. Because New York has been designed for walkers with endless miles of sidewalks you can walk from the newly fashionable Harlem(still a reasonable place to live) all the way down to Wall Street( an unreasonable place), but not on the same day unless you are on a Death March!

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

301 South Gulfview Blvd,
Clearwater, Florida, USA 33767
Tel: 727 373-1234 Fax: 727 441-3672

Sandava Spa Offering

swedish massage 30/60/90 minutes $95/$145/$200

deep-tissue massage 30/60/90 minutes $100/$155/$215

reflexology 30/60 minutes $95/$145

sandava manicure/pedicure 30/45 minutes $50/$70

The StayFit Fitness Center provides technologically advanced cardiovascular and weight equipment with 24-hour complimentary access

For those who choose to work out in the privacy of their spacious guestroom, Hyatt offers YogaAway. This innovative system allows you to order a complete yoga workout from your in-room entertainment unit. A variety of programs are available, including fitness, stress reduction and mental focus.

(Charles Siskin can be reached at
cater1@embarqmail.com)