Fitness and Business Combine with Sweatworking

The latest trend in fitness combines business, exercise and travel — sweatworking is the growing practice of meeting colleagues for a walk, run or fitness class. Out are the days of networking in bars and restaurants, and in are group bike trips and hotel running paths. As this trend moves into the travel sphere, hotels are receiving and responding to requests from travelers for a number of new fitness-inspired meeting and exercise initiatives.

At Sheraton Puerto Rico, bike requests have been on the rise; one recent group held a bike run before their full day of meetings. The hotel offered a biking tour guide to help the colleagues network and loosen up.

Colleagues who want to get to know each other and nature should consider the Los Suenos Marriott’s rainforest networking tour — a guided walk around the resort’s trails to experience the Costa Rican jungle.

Outdoor fitness activities for groups are regularly offered at Hilton Hawaiian Village, including surfing and hula aerobics. At Hilton Waikoloa Village, wellness specialists host daily fitness classes for meeting attendees. Also in Hawaii, business travelers visiting Lotus Honolulu can hike the iconic Diamond Head.

A recent spike in requests for fitness amenities led Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village to offer complimentary bikes, kayak rentals and running maps. At Westin La Paloma, RunWESTIN maps help business travelers find three- and five-mile jogging/walking routes. The New Balance gear-lending program provides workout attire for $5.

Hilton Chicago brings boot camps directly into the boardroom, while Hotel Renew puts a spin on the term “board meetings,” allowing guests to paddle out to surf and hold business meetings in the water.