Room Service Takes a New Twist

With portions growing and obesity rates on the rise it's encouraging to know that with a growing awareness positive changes are happening all over.  Hotels are reporting that many travelers are becoming more focused on their health goals while on the road. 

"Probably fitness equipment is the biggest request we get from guests," said Vivian A. Deuschl of the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "It's the biggest preoccupation of business travelers besides getting their work done, so we try to make fitness available on any basis they ask for."

In room fitness options are available upon requests for guests who prefer not to work out in the hotel gym.

The Kimpton chain of boutique hotels has provided guests in-room 24-hour yoga channel classes and a basket of yoga gear since 2003, according to president and COO Niki Leondakis.

Leondakis believes the modern business traveler's focus on wellness coincides with the aging of the baby boomers.

"Twenty years ago it was wine, dine and work, not about maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road," she said. "People today are looking at work/life balance in a more integrated way."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/09/13/hold-pillow-mint-send-yoga-mat/#ixzz1Yt36ESaW