While I’m not typicaly a hit-the-gym-on-holiday type of person, sometimes if you’re only in a destination for a few days and your accommodation has a good gym, it’s nice to maintain some form of a routine. As it happened, the gym at Four Points by Sheraton Auckland was more than just a small fitness room with a couple of rusty weights and a broken treadmill. It was a proper, well-equipped gym that allowed me to easy get a workout in without needing to find a local gym.
So here’s what I discovered when I decided to check it out one morning before heading into the city.
A Look at the Hotel Gym
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland Gym
A clean, well-lit corridor led the way down to the gym; typical of a moddern hotel, nothing fancy about it but you could tell it was well maintained.
As you entered, there was also a note about the house rules, such as the standard stuff to keep it clean and wipe down any kit you use. Nothing worse than walking into a gym after someone else has left it as a pig sty, so I always like it when hotels actualy police this sort of thing.
For a hotel gym, it was actualy quite large. I took a quick look at the equipment and was happy to find an even split between types. Some resistance machines ran down one of the mirrored walls, there was a decent selection of free weights (dumbbells) with a proper bench in the weight room, and a line of treadmills faced the windows.
If you’re more of a cross-trainer kind of person, there was a pair of those too. It all appeared fairly new and functional; not always a guarantee.
The sanitiser dispenser next to the treadmills was a nice little detail too. It’s reassuring to know some thought has gone into cleanliness without needing to search for it yourself.
In terms of space, the weights section was large and left me plenty to work with. There’s also a nice little plate loaded resistance machine for those looking to lift some serious weight. There is also a bench with a leg-curl attachment, so I was able to get a good lower body workout in without having to compromise.
They have a well stocked dumbbell rack ranging from light to heavy, and they had exercise mats available for stretching or doing some floor work after.
But what really sold me here is the view. After my set, I stepped onto the bench for a breath and stared out at the harbour and the city towers in the distance. That’s something you don’t expect to find in a hotel gym, and it made the entire experience feel less like a chore and more like an actual part of the trip.
For the practical parts, there was a towel station with fresh folded towels and, for those who like to add some stability work to their routine, a low shelf storing Swiss balls. I picked up one at the beginning and loved that I didn’t have to lug my own down from the room. It was simple enough.
There was a drinking fountain tucked into the corner in case you needed a water top-up. There was a clock and a door that I’m guessing led to the changing facilities at the front. Finally, there was a basket full of fresh apples for patrons.
That’s right, fresh apples for patrons. It was honestly the biggest treat of all. I grabbed one as I left, and it hit the spot following a sweaty workout.
The Four Points by Sheraton Auckland’s gym was just as it should of been: a good hotel gym. It provided all of the equipment I needed to maintain my fitness routine in a space that wasn’t fussy about it at all. For those of us who like to stay active while traveling, this is a hotel where you aren’t going to compromise on that front.
What are your thoughts, do you ever have time to hit the gym during your travels or do you go exploring on foot and consider that your workout? How do you stay active on the road?
