hospitalitystyle.com

(January 2012) posted on Tue Jan 31, 2012 EST

Fitness studios to feature blue-light therapy, built-in millwork

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Westin Hotels & Resorts said it will transform the fitness facilities at its 186 locales worldwide into highly designed fitness studios featuring new equipment, blue-light therapy and a more organic color and materials palette. The Starwood Hotels’ unit said it will roll out the new-look fitness studios throughout 2012.

Westin officials say they decided to make the changes after conducting in-depth guest research and monitoring workout trends. Based on that research, they decided to make the following changes.

* Because their research found that Westin patrons desire a more holistic fitness experience, including more options for stretching, yoga and fitness classes, the chain’s in-house design team decided to remove select pieces of equipment that guests were not using as frequently in order to provide more floor space for those types of activities. In addition, pulley machines will be added to smaller fitness studios to provide a greater range of workout options in limited spaces.

* The workout studios will utilize Philips’ ActiViva Lighting, which Westin officials describe as “energizing” fluorescent lighting. Designers say this blue-light technology positively influences well-being and helps make guests feel more alert, awake and energized in target workout areas, such as the cardio zone.

* Instead of black rubber floors, Westin studios will feature textural woven flooring, as well as an overall natural, soft-tone color palette. The studios will also display a full-size art mural entitled “Step Up,” a reflective image of people running up a grassy hill, illustrating Westin’s goal of helping guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. In addition, a built-in entry millwork unit will be added to house guests’ essentials, such as towels and water, all in one place.