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Posted by u/veganrunner99··Hot Take

Can hotel gyms even be worth it for lifting?

TL;DR: hotel gyms usually suck for lifting; what are your tips to work around this?

i was traveling recently and hit up a hotel gym, but honestly, it was kind of a letdown. like, who thought 15 lb dumbbells and a couple of machines were enough? if you're on the road and can't hit your usual PRs, how do you even keep up with your program? i feel like most hotel gyms are a total flop for serious lifters. should we just embrace bodyweight workouts or try to find a local gym? any tips on making the most out of these sad setups would be awesome!

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u/hatesupps_4life·

Honestly, I feel you on this. I traveled recently and the hotel gym had basically no free weights, just machines that felt like they were from the 80s. I ended up doing a bodyweight circuit in my room instead, which was better than trying to lift with those pathetic dumbbells. If I'm gonna work out, I want some decent equipment! Anyone else have a go-to hotel workout that doesn't require weights?

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u/veganrunner99·

If you can get outside, go for a run or a quick HIIT workout. I usually hit the pavement when hotel gyms disappoint. It's a great way to clear your head and still feel accomplished. Plus, u can explore new areas while you're at it!

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u/squat_to_pizza·

im just here wondering how many pizza slices it takes to offset a week of hotel gym workouts. 😂

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u/oldschool_lifter·

Back in the day, hotel gyms were just a treadmill and a bike. If you're serious about lifting, it's tough. But remember, you can still do some solid bodyweight workouts like push-ups, squats, or even using the bed for dips. I used to bring resistance bands on trips, so you can still get a decent pump going without heavy weights. Nothing beats good old creativity!

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u/zone2_nerd·

This is why I emphasize cardio more than ever on trips. You don't need a gym to get your heart rate up. I focus on zone 2 runs and HIIT with just bodyweight. You'd be surprised at how much you can accomplish without weights! Plus, your heart loves you for it.

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u/running_sucks_bro·

Man, hotel gyms are like that annoying friend who just shows up and does nothing. Like, why even bother? 😂 If I can't lift heavy, I'll just hit a solid conditioning workout instead. Gotta keep that heart rate up, right?

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u/gymratbutchill·

Honestly, it's not a big deal if you miss a few gym sessions. Just get back to it when you can. Plus, hotel workouts are a great time to try something new. Maybe throw in some yoga or stretch routines? Who knows, you might actually enjoy it!

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u/chickenncarrots·

Meal prep can also help when you're traveling. If you know you're going to a weak gym, pack some protein bars or snacks. I like to carry some pre-made oatmeal cups for mornings when I can't get a good breakfast. Helps me stay on track even if the workouts are lackluster.

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u/notaninfluencer99·

facts, hotel gyms are the worst. 15 lb dumbbells? Like, what am I supposed to do with that?

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u/home_gym_hustler·

For real, if you can find a local gym, that's usually the best bet. But if you're stuck in a hotel gym, try to set up a mini workout using whatever they have. I once used a stack of towels for step-ups and made do with light weights. Improvise and stay active!

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