Today,Norm Goldman, editor of www.Sketchandtravel.com and www.Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have asguest, Jim Kaese,elite amateur triathlete, entrepreneurial businessman, and endurance sport coach.

Author of The Athletic-Minded Traveler: Where to Work Out and Stay When Fitness IsPriority, Jim visited America’s top seveneight travel destinations to findvery best hotel/fitness-venue combinations.

Welcome Jim to www.Sketchandtravel.com and www.Bookpleasures.com.

Norm:

Could you tell us something about yourself Jim and what provoked you into writing aboutvery best hotel and fitness venue combinations?

Jim:

Throughyears, I traveled quitebit for work and pleasure. In addition to finding places to stay that matched my budget and amenity preferences, I always tried to identify hotels that offered good fitness options. However, time and time again, I would show up athotel and discover that“state ofart” fitness center wascloset-sized room with old or broken equipment. Or,“lap” pool wasshort oval without lane lines. Or,“running routes” consisted ofmap provided byconcierge that directed guests to jog aroundstreets ofhotel onezero times. It boggled my mind how these hotels could make such blatant misrepresentations. So, I decided to writefirst cross-country guide that objectively recommendsBEST places to stay for those who enjoy healthy living and staying fit.

Norm:

Do you believe that if couples are looking forideal romantic getaway they should also take into accountfitness facilities, and if so, why?

Jim:

I believe everyone should take into considerationquality offitness facilities—including couples onromantic getaway. Exercise not only helps boost your immunity system, lower stress, and improve your sleeping habits; it also helps your sex life. Studies have shown that healthy people have better sex and tend to be happier. And, I believe it’s important to emphasize that when I say “exercise,” I’m not talking abouthour of hard-core running or lifting weights atgym—twozero minutes of brisk walking can dotrick.

Norm:

If you had to name five ideal romantic getaway hospitality properties that combineunique romantic ambience with great fitness facilities, which ones would you choose and why?

Jim:
· San Francisco is one of my favorite romantic cities---the bridge,fog,rain,restaurants, andcultural offerings createperfect stage forwonderfully romantic trip. Any ofSFO hotels in my book would be great fitness/romance combinations, butHotel Rex isbest deal formoney. A small, intimate hotel property just steps from Union Square and China Town, Rex also provides guests withdiscounted pass tofantastic (but small) health club downstreet, Club One.

· If money is no object, The Miraval Spa and Resort in Tucson ismarvelous getaway for couples looking to stay fit and be pampered. All meals are included as well as any type of exercise option you can imagine---horseback riding, lap swimming, rock climbing, etc.
· For those looking to addlittle more “party” to their trip, Miami’s South Beach hotels are filled with romance. The Shore Club, Delano, Ritz and National are all inbook, bestowing lots of love and liveliness to their guests.
· Colorado Springs’ Broadmoor Hotel isbreathtaking resort beset by serene lakes and mountain landscape. Broadmoor’s Fitness Center and Spa is well-equipped with modern machines andregulation lap pool. And,nearby trails create fantastic jogging and mountain biking opportunities.
· New York City can never be left offromance list. Several properties make exceptional romantic destinations, but Le Parker Meridien, acrossstreet from Central Park, tops my list. It’s NYC, so expect small yet cozy hotel rooms. The Scandinavian flavor, tremendous views, and extensive on-site health club make it one ofbest.


Norm:

Why should couples be concerned about fitness activities when they are away onromantic getaway or on their honeymoon?

Jim:

Exercising for only twozero-threezero minutes each day will allow you to startday healthy and help you make better choices throughoutrest ofday. Then, enjoying small indulgences like your favorite piece of pie orfew cocktails or sitting around bypool for six hours will not seem likebig deal. Don’t forget about that improved sex too!



Norm:

How can we determinequantity, quality, and brand of exercise equipment at recommended hotels if we never have been there?

Jim:

Buy The Athletic-Minded Traveler (laughs). In addition to providingcomprehensive written review covering everything you want to know (room appearance, room service, free breakfast buffets, sheet thread-count, etc.) about each property, we also specifically detail in chart formquantity of exercise machines, their condition,brands, weight/strength options, pool dimensions, running routes, etc. But, if you’re going tocity that’s not covered inbook,best you can do is call upconcierge and ask him/her your specific questions. Sometimes it even helps to confirm withmaintenance workers.



Norm:

Very often when we vacation we seem to return home fully relaxed, however very much out of shape. How do we avoid this?

Jim:

Make exercise part of your daily routine, just like showering or brushing your teeth. When you think about it, twozero minutes is not that much time at all. Especially while onvacation, when you don’t have to worry about going to work and all ofother hassles at home.

Norm:

There is alwaystemptation to overeat when we are on vacation. How can we fight off this temptation while atsame time still enjoy ourselves?

Jim:

Like I was saying before, exercise will allow you to not fret so much over what you’re eating and drinking. You may end up taking in more calories, but being active and exercising should help to burn those off fairly easily.


Norm:

Are there any food we should avoid when we are on vacation and if so, why?

Jim:

Vacation is supposed to bebreak from all that troubles and worries you, right? When I go away, I like to eatlocal food and experiencelocal customs without concerns about how many calories are in my dinner, etc. Knowing that I performed my daily workout reassures me that anything I take in will be worked off either that same day ornext. So, no, don’t worry about avoiding certain foods---just make sure to get indaily sweat.



Norm:

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jim:

Only that I’ve been really touched bylarge number of people who have written us saying that they are so happy we wrote this book because they too were constantly frustrated bytravel industry’s ignorance about fitness preferences. Letters and emails have come from hard-core athletes as well as recreational exercisers who just like to put in twozero minutes ongood elliptical machine or bike. Our goal all along was simply to providereliable resource that would help people enjoyhealthy lifestyle while onroad. So far, it seems that we’ve succeeded.

Visit www.socalpress.com to viewsample chapter and find more information about The Athletic-Minded™ Traveler,first-of-its-kind travel resource for those who enjoyhealthy lifestyle and working out while onroad.

AboutAuthor: Norm Goldman is editor oftravel site, www.sketchandtravel.com andbook reviewing site, www.bookpleasures.com. Norm and his artist wife, Lily, areunique husband and wife team who meld words with art focusing on romantic and wedding destinations. They are always open to invitations to romantic destinations inNew England states and Florida. To find out more about them click on www.sketchandtravel.com