The Equipment That Makes Us Happy in a Hotel Gym
Let’s be honest — most hotel gyms are a hit or miss. Some look great in photos but only have a yoga mat and a treadmill. Others surprise you with real equipment that lets you train properly. For frequent travelers, finding the right gear can make or break a stay.
Here’s a list of gym equipment that makes us genuinely happy when we spot it — and why it matters for your workout routine.
1. Dumbbells up to (at least) 30 kg
When a hotel gym goes beyond the 10 kg dumbbell set, that’s a win. Heavier weights mean you can actually maintain strength training — not just “pretend curls.” A proper rack that goes up to 30 kg (or more) allows for real compound work.
What to do with them:
- Dumbbell bench press — great for chest and shoulders
- Bulgarian split squats — your legs will feel it the next day
- Rows — to balance out all that laptop posture
2. Cable machines
A cable station might not look flashy, but it’s one of the most versatile tools in any gym. Adjustable pulleys give constant tension, helping you train muscles that free weights can miss. And for travelers, it’s safe and joint-friendly after long flights.
What to do with it:
- Face pulls — perfect for shoulder stability
- Triceps pushdowns — for clean arm definition
- Cable crossovers — when you want to feel that chest pump
3. Smith machine
Some people hate it, but for hotel gyms, the Smith machine is a blessing. You can squat safely without a spotter, bench without fear, and even improvise deadlifts. It’s especially good for controlled movements when you don’t want to risk injury on holiday.
What to do with it:
- Smith squats or lunges — keep it slow and controlled
- Bench press — ideal when you’re training solo
- Upright rows or calf raises — easy to adjust and isolate
4. Leg press
Seeing a leg press in a hotel gym feels like Christmas morning. It’s the ultimate tool for lower-body strength without needing a squat rack. It allows heavy load, good range of motion, and minimal risk — all while protecting your back.
What to do with it:
- Standard leg press — build your quads and glutes
- Single-leg press — correct imbalances and improve stability
- Calf press — simple but often forgotten
5. Pull-up and dip station
When a hotel gym has a proper pull-up bar and dip handles, you can do an entire upper-body workout without needing much else. These are pure bodyweight classics that test real strength and control.
What to do with it:
- Pull-ups — wide grip for lats, narrow for biceps
- Dips — chest and triceps burner
- Leg raises — add a bit of abs to the mix
Final thoughts
When you find a hotel gym with heavy dumbbells, a cable stack, a Smith machine, leg press, and pull-up station, you know you’ve struck gold. These five pieces of equipment cover every major muscle group, allowing a real workout even when you’re away from your home gym.
Before your next trip, check out our list of hotels with verified gyms — because nothing beats finishing a proper session before breakfast and still making it to your meeting (or the pool) on time.
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