The hospitality market is diverse, fragmented, and highly competitive, with different properties appealing to a variety of traveller demographics. For example, ‘service select’ options attract the economy traveller, while those who are less price-sensitive prefer full-service or luxury facilities. However, with the recent economic downturn having implications for the leisure market, attention has turned to the business traveller, for whom some degree of travel remains inevitable.

The importance of providing home comforts for those spending a significant amount of time away on business should not be underestimated. According to the 2013 European Business Traveller Well-being Study, “Forty-six per cent said staying with their current exercise regimens was a priority while on the road”; while a recent Spafinder Wellness 365 consumer survey found that 70 percent of travellers want gyms with cardio and weights.

With corporate wellness programmes becoming part of the ‘norm’, it naturally follows that hotels supporting wellbeing initiatives are likely to fare well in a competitive market. While UK hoteliers have some way to go to compete with their global counterparts – for example, the new EVEN brand by IHG, with best-in-class Athletic Studios and in-room training zones – token treadmills in a room reminiscent of a broom-cupboard are a thing of the past, especially with potential for secondary income from gym memberships.

A full-service partner with complete, competitive solutions
Matrix Fitness offers a diverse product portfolio of cardio and strength equipment that embraces emergent trends and creates options for any customer in the hospitality market, regardless of size or budget. Intuitive operations make it easy for guests to get on and go, while the multi-language capability enables them to continue their exercise routines wherever they are.
Tech-savvy travellers will also appreciate the unique app interface – available on 7xi cardio products – that integrates workout tracking, social media, and other web resources, plus the innovative mPower console technology, which provides unrivalled entertainment options, plus access to personal coaching and guided workouts.

From a facility perspective, high-quality materials and finishes minimise the signs of wear and tear to keep equipment looking newer, for longer, while Matrix Fitness’ unique, automated Asset Management system – available on select cardio products – enables equipment management across properties in order to expedite maintenance and service and maximise machine uptime. In addition to automating maintenance scheduling, displaying machine usage data, storing important product information and streamlining service, the system also functions as an effective communication tool; promoting events, up-selling and cross-selling other services, and reinforcing brand messages via the 7xi display console.

Matrix Fitness delivers a true partnership approach by crafting innovative solutions that resonate with individual hotel brand identities and guest profiles, and offers everything from expeditious turnkey product solutions to complete custom installations along with expert gym design assistance.

Explaining the decision to award the contract to Matrix Fitness, Tom Gray, CEO of Southwater Event Group, owners of Holiday Inn Telford / Ironbridge said:

“After carrying out extensive research, it was clear that Matrix offered the very best equipment on the market. The user experience of the virtual active equipment is far superior to anything else that we looked at; and the investment to completely refit our leisure club with Matrix reflects our commitment to deliver the very highest levels of service to our club members and our hotel guests.”