TOKYO, May 28 — More than a high-tech version of the yellow pages for gyms, Gymsurfer allows users to compare rates and amenities when possible and directly reserve marked-down day passes. It was released for the iPhone on May 1, and the release of the Android version is expected this week.
If sandpaper sheets and dysfunctioning key cards weren’t enough already, the lack of amenities and often out-dated equipment at hotel gyms are other drawbacks to travel.
“I travel constantly, and the most annoying part of travelling is finding a gym,” said Gymsurfing co-founder Kevin Bracken. “If your home gym isn’t near your hotel or Airbnb, you could pay as much as US$35 (RM113) for a single day pass. If your trip is longer than that, you were out of luck until now.”
Bracken adds that his app is able to convey information about secondary though much-appreciated amenities such as saunas or spas.
With plans for expansion, Gymsurfing sees to it that the comforts of home are at the tip of the fingers of fitness enthusiasts who may be travelling to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Philadelphia or New York.
Listings run the gamut as far as atmosphere is concerned, ranging from modern to family style to stereotypical bodybuilding.
Users can expect to pay between US$5 and US$20 for a day pass at any establishment in Gymsurfing’s offering.
A similar-but-different app called GymPoints focuses on finding gyms that offer drop-in classes appealing to a variety of interests. Gymfinder is a webpage similar to Gymsurfing which has listings in almost all 50 states. Yet another, Yoga Trail, applies to yoga.
http://www.gymsurfing.com — AFP-Relaxnews
