TalkBoard Topics - Proposal: Add forum for, "Fitness on the go"

I PM'd on of the moderators of the US Airways forum, AZ Travels the World, and he suggested I post this here. If this is not the proper place for this, or anyone needs additional information, please move this thread or let me know where I could better address this.

Obesity is a major health concern in many countries today, and in those where it isn't, it probably will be soon. I've seen many conversations on the US Airways forum where someone was seated beside an obese person who, "spilled over," into their seat. For most people, diet and exercise are the primary means to combat this concern.

For most of us on Flyertalk who try to keep a regular exercise routine, a business trip can wreak havoc to any schedule. There are many hotels where a, "workout room," consists of a treadmill and a bike, if you're lucky. However, I've also been lucky enough to find some hotels with quite a gym inside, including a lap pool. Some people may be evening workout people, and simply need advice on how to adjust to working out at a different time of day, which is not as easy as it may sound.

Currently on Flyertalk, we have a few separate areas that address some of these concerns:
* There is an Omni Exercise Blog, in the Omni forum, where users post/share various workouts. I've posted several different masters swim workouts, others will post things as simple as keeping in a pushup position for 5 minutes, with minimum number of pushups.
* There are various, "What gym should I join," threads that pop up nearly weekly on the Omni forum. Questions usually revolve around cities the user lives in, travels to frequently, costs, guest fees, etc.
* In the Hilton HHonors forum, that I frequent often, there are sometimes questions (many times where I initiate) regarding the workout facilities at a particular location. In some cities where there are multiple HHonors properties, I'd rather stay at a property that either has a better gym, or has a relationship with a nearby gym for reduced/free access.
* There are sometimes threads in the geographic forums (such as Western US), on which areas/roads in a region are good for running areas.
* I've also seen threads (one I initiated) on how to pass time when you get to the airport early. In LAS for example, there is a gym on-site, with a low day pass charge, that I was able to use when I was there for 3-4 hours recently.
* Several Flyertalkers travel specifically for a fitness-related event. The Boston Marathon, the Kona Ironman Triathlon, US Masters Swimming national events, various bike events (Tour de Tucson), etc. This could be a place for Flyertalkers to meet in advance, compare notes on the event, hotels in the area, etc.
* When I first traveled trans-Pacific (back in 1991), Northwest used to show exercise videos for in-flight use. I haven't seen these lately (could be that US just doesn't have them). But we could also share tips for keeping some sort of activity in-flight.

I could post some specific thread links, and dig for other things. As it stands right now, some of these are addressed in few places on FT. But before I take a biz trip, I'm usually looking at FT, TripAdvisor, the US Masters Swimming forums, Runners' World forums, and several others. It would be great to have one consolidated area.

Please let me know what questions you have, or how I could better define this proposal. Thanks!

This is an interesting proposal.

It's the parallel universe to DiningBuzz! and something we all should try to incorporate into our lives.

If moving discussion from other specialist forums isn't a big detriment to them (e.g. HH, SPG forums) then it might be useful - IF it is travel/destination related.

I'm not worried either way, but if it helps a large number of FTers then I hope it re-energises existing threads, and gets a fair hearing.

Very interesting idea. And I like the fact that you included some demand examples as well. ^

I would second or third this proposal whole heartedly.

Excellent post!

I think this would be an excellent addition to FT.

Playing devil's advocate here...

It almost seems like the current demand is being met with the existing forums. Examples cited above include:

-"What gym to join" threads in OMNI (which makes sense, IMHO) as well as apparently a master Exercise thread - which fits in OMNI as well, IMHO.

-Threads related specifically to Hilton Hotels (again, in the Hilton forum, makes sense, IMHO)

-Regional/area roadrunning threads (belongs in regional forums where the folks from that region would be able to answer best & they may not necessariliy read a fitness forum)

-How to pass time in airports with exercise being an option - there are other options (this example doesn't support the creation of a new forum, IMHO)

-FTers traveling to meet up for specific fitness related events (a perfect example of something that belongs in CommunityBuzz, IMHO)

At this time, I just don't see supporting this idea.

Just my 2 cents...

Sounds like a good idea-- especially regarding airports with on site facilities or close by day use facilities one could use on a layover.

And I have found the fitness facilities at various hotel properties to be hit or miss. To have a comprehensive listing by city and chain would be nice, as we all usually have choices.

It is good to have both sides looked at here and I think you raise some valid points. In answer to them though I would offer the following:

It almost seems like the current demand is being met with the existing forums.

This is without doubt true to some extent. The question that arises is, “Can this demand be more efficiently and more completely satisfied by a topic specific forum?” I would suggest yes. I think it may be best to answer the individual points raised and then perhaps tack a bit on at the end of the post.

-"What gym to join" threads in OMNI (which makes sense, IMHO) as well as apparently a master Exercise thread - which fits in OMNI as well, IMHO.

The placement in OMNI of this information has to date been the best catch all place for the topic. The problem with it being located there is OMNI topics are often named according to no real convention whereas other forums do see significantly more uniformity making their individual threads easier to search. OMNI suffers from a lot of noise to signal and the threads veer dramatically, too much so in fact to consider them truly useful. And finally in OMNI, all exercise specific information is often found in a single thread, the title of which does not always describe what is to found inside the thread. A dedicated forum would not only allow for this very important search functionality, but would also allow for greater discussion on topics as they would be more transparently listed for potential commentary.

-Threads related specifically to Hilton Hotels (again, in the Hilton forum, makes sense, IMHO)

Hilton Hotels are but a subset of the hotels offering gyms. If a given user wishes to seek out facilities and is indifferent as to Hilton or Marriott for example, it will be a better resource that FT could offer potential seekers of the information if it were topic specific. Also, as hotels offer their gyms to outside users as well (ClubSport springs to mind) and not necessarily only guests, it makes sense to bring that information to a single forum rather than spreading it out in the various hotel forums.

-Regional/area roadrunning threads (belongs in regional forums where the folks from that region would be able to answer best & they may not necessarily read a fitness forum)

I think this is a very good point, but again the topic being the running makes it more of a Health & Fitness issue than a regional one. Were it located in a Health & Fitness forum, my guess is that it would cause people top seek out that particular running place in much the same way a restaurant is sought out and people here find wonderful rationalizations for the travel involved to get themselves there.

-How to pass time in airports with exercise being an option - there are other options (this example doesn't support the creation of a new forum, IMHO)

If one were curious of whether exercise options existed in an airport they may well look in a thread called “Airports offering Exercise Facilities”. The best place for that would be in the forum considered here. I agree that this will likely be the smallest part or use of this forum, but it certainly is best positioned within such a forum.

-FTers traveling to meet up for specific fitness related events (a perfect example of something that belongs in CommunityBuzz, IMHO)

The event belongs in Community without a doubt. The evolution of that event however would occur in a topic specific forum. Consider for a moment the evolution of events that have been planned around ticket prices, restaurants, cities, etc. Many of these over the last 10 years have, prior to the point of announcing them in Community evolved in more topic specific forums.

In summation I think that the very specific, the very growth oriented nature of this topic, and the broad interest across so many members of other forums, make it significantly worthy of further consideration that a forum specific to this topic be created. One central gathering place for all users, not just those Marriott guests that venture into a Hilton forum, not just those people interested in a gathering, but rather in the sheer enjoyment of fitness pursuits.

So we are up to $0.04 now. Anybody else? : )

For most of us on Flyertalk who try to keep a regular exercise routine, a business trip can wreak havoc to any schedule. There are many hotels where a, "workout room," consists of a treadmill and a bike, if you're lucky. However, I've also been lucky enough to find some hotels with quite a gym inside, including a lap pool. Some people may be evening workout people, and simply need advice on how to adjust to working out at a different time of day, which is not as easy as it may sound.


^ to this idea. I could certainly stand to improve my workout routine (or lack of it) on the road.

It strikes me that these threads should either go into the geographic forums (if they're location specific) or in the hotel forums (if they're chain specific). I wouldn't dream of looking in OMNI for a "What gym should I go to in London / New York" answer - I'd go to the London or New York forum. And I speak as someone to whom the gym is very important - I go every day when travelling and often use FT to find info on where to go. Further, moving threads out of hotel chain forums would seem very strange ("What's the gym like at the such-and-such Hilton" should surely remain in the Hilton forum).

The only threads that I think would be best suited to this forum are "is running better for me than swimming" - and that kind of thread I reckon could happily stay in OMNI...

That's kind of my initial thoughts on the matter too. I've seen too many very well answered threads on the destination forums I read in the past. I wonder if those threads would be as well answered if they were moved to a catch-all forum, and I tend to doubt it because instead of visitors having questions answered by those who use the gyms week in week out, they'd have to hope that someone else reading the forum for gym travel tips had happened to go to the gym/area being being inquired about.

I agree with everything mjm said in post # 8 & would support the addition of this forum. Cheers.

I think this is a very interesting proposal and a welcome add-on to current FT as well.

Take a look at our current section of "Special Interest Travel", we have: GLBT Travelers, Women Travelers, Traveling with Children, Traveling with Pets, Disability Travel, Seniors Travel, and Religious Travelers. It seems to me a new forum with fitness/sport theme may fill the void of FTers with similar fitness needs. I bet it would generate much more "energetic" activities than "Seniors Travel Forum" :p.

Other than gyms, fitness routines & special sport/fitness events, this new forum may also be a good central place for FTers to talk about transporting the sport equipments, such as bikes (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=859906), surfboards, skiboards...etc.

Playing devil's advocate here...

It almost seems like the current demand is being met with the existing forums.
I've seen too many very well answered threads on the destination forums I read in the past. I wonder if those threads would be as well answered if they were moved to a catch-all forum, and I tend to doubt it because instead of visitors having questions answered by those who use the gyms week in week out, they'd have to hope that someone else reading the forum for gym travel tips had happened to go to the gym/area being being inquired about.
There are two TB members sharing initial thoughts, addressing how FT's current structure is meeting the demands, which at one hand may be true but, OTOH, could simply be FTers forced to "conform" under the current structure so that some threads of this nature find comfort in OMNI ;).

I understand our TB is not involved with IT implementation of FT at all. But this new proposal may give us a good chance to re-examine the no cross-posting policy. If multi-tagged (or cross-posting) is technically possible, can the concern of bhatnasx and Jenbel be fully addressed? I didn't know cross-posting is technically possible until I saw this thread, Allowing cross-posting - might need some programming work though (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=815061), over Suggestions Forum a while ago. I am not programmer so I have no idea how it works. There's no response from IB nor the HOM so I don't know if this feature is being considered in the soon-to-be-relaunch FT (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=857530) either.

I am not encouraging cross-posting. But sometimes I do run into threads that can easily and logically be placed in more than one forum. Allowing those threads showing up in more than one forum and converging all the discussion may serve FTers much better in the long run. Besides, our mods don't have to spend time making those judgment calls no more. If such a technical improvement can enhance our FT experiences, why not incorporate it?

Even if there's no multi-tagged feature in the upcoming new FT, it doesn't take away the merits of this new proposal. I see nothing wrong in having a FT fitness/sport themed central station.

FWIW, 2 things:

1) I'm not 100% against it - I'm just leaning towards a no initially (but I lean towards a no initially for most new forums unless I see a value-add to it - it's just the kind of person I am & you'll see in the voting records that I've voted yes on some things I initially leaned towards No on & stuck with my No on things that initially leaned No on as well).

2) I have no idea if the new software will support multi-tagging (and I'm not even 100% sure I understand multi-tagging, though I have a basic idea of what it means). But it seems like it could be a useful idea - although it may create even MORE clutter - especially to those that read multiple fora regularly.

FWIW, 2 things:

1) I'm not 100% against it -
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying you've made up your mind. It just so happened the concerns both you raised may be addressed by this "new" technical improvement.

2) I have no idea if the new software will support multi-tagging (and I'm not even 100% sure I understand multi-tagging, though I have a basic idea of what it means). But it seems like it could be a useful idea - although it may create even MORE clutter - especially to those that read multiple fora regularly.
I don't even know if multi-tagging and cross-posting are the same thing in terms of the vBulletin world. The only tagging feature I know is from visiting the social networking sites. That doesn't seem to work the same way as thadocta had suggested in his post.

FWIW, the proposed software feature may better be considered as a stand-alone proposal since its implementation would be system-wide and not just forum-specific. I am not tech-savvy, so I am just connecting the dots and see if it will work or make better sense with the new proposed forum. It's just sad to see a seemingly good idea got unnoticed.

Please don't let my throw-in sidetrack the Fitness-On-the-Go Forum proposal.

That's kind of my initial thoughts on the matter too. I've seen too many very well answered threads on the destination forums I read in the past. I wonder if those threads would be as well answered if they were moved to a catch-all forum, and I tend to doubt it because instead of visitors having questions answered by those who use the gyms week in week out, they'd have to hope that someone else reading the forum for gym travel tips had happened to go to the gym/area being being inquired about.This would also be how I see it. Besides, if you start such a forum, then why not one on just about every activity on the go: golfing on the go, theatre on the go, arts on the go, fly-fishing on the go, etc... to the point where you wonder what is the point at all of having destination fora, and where you have to visit 50 fora for any destination you want to visit to reap, as Jenbel mentions, probably very little and possibly low quality information on each.

To some extent, this is not entirely different from the discussion we had on Gaming but concluded that gaming was different because of the much closer link with point schemes and travel.

I also note that the dining buzz forum, which is probably the closest comparison, explicitly excludes destination-specific information which is left to the regional fora as the best place for those kind of questions.

Now, if we take away destination specific fora, what does that leave us with on a Fitness forum? Exercise blogs and "which gym should I join?" type questions? But you have to ask yourself: is FT really the place you are likely to get the best quality of answers on these or would you not rather go to a fitness-related board (rather than an FFP one) to get answers on this?
By all means, let these be discussed on OMNI if FTers want to. That is the whole point of OMNI: discuss whatever you want there. But I really doubt that "which gym should I join?"-type questions are in FT's remit and really require a forum to be set up. FT is not the be-all and end-all of any question any FTer might have on the universe and beyond. Let us excel at what we are good at and recognise our limitations and not try to be everything for everyone.

Besides, if you start such a forum, then why not one on just about every activity on the go: golfing on the go, theatre on the go, arts on the go, fly-fishing on the go, etc... to the point where you wonder what is the point at all of having destination fora, and where you have to visit 50 fora for any destination you want to visit to reap, as Jenbel mentions, probably very little and possibly low quality information on each.

Excellent reasoning IMO.

I would be open to this if there is a demand.

We really encouraged one another to exercise on the road and it is a real challenge at times. Especially for folks traveling alone, this could be a great benefit.

Besides, if you start such a forum, then why not one on just about every activity on the go: golfing on the go, theatre on the go, arts on the go, fly-fishing on the go, etc...

Is this not the precedent that TB has started with its Traveling w/ Pets, Traveling w/ Children, Traveling w/ Disability, etc.?

Given the time difference I am now up as many of you prepare for bed, but I am intrigued with the responses coming out from some of the members. I would like to reply to them here and will post their comments first followed immediately by own.

It strikes me that these threads should either go into the geographic forums (if they're location specific) or in the hotel forums (if they're chain specific). I wouldn't dream of looking in OMNI for a "What gym should I go to in London / New York" answer - I'd go to the London or New York forum. And I speak as someone to whom the gym is very important - I go every day when travelling and often use FT to find info on where to go. Further, moving threads out of hotel chain forums would seem very strange ("What's the gym like at the such-and-such Hilton" should surely remain in the Hilton forum).

The only threads that I think would be best suited to this forum are "is running better for me than swimming" - and that kind of thread I reckon could happily stay in OMNI...

I am in agreement with the concept that if one searches for a thread or info on a specific location and cannot find it in that geographic or Hotel forum, they would reasonably believe it did not exist. A very good point and one which must be allowed for if a new forum is created. I think the new forum would reasonably have the responsibility to maintain a FAQ as sticky that had links in it to threads in location specific forums. This is not cross posting, but merely a reference. It could be along the lines of:

Gyms in:
Manchester (followed by appropriate link to that geographic forum’s thread)

Ditto for Hotels.

But that is just a reference. The proposed forum is so much more. Surely if the gym is important to a user, it is easy enough to imagine threads that talked about, for example:
1. Workouts suited to hotel rooms
2. Best workout if jetlagged
3. What diet is best with X, Y, or Z workout?
4. Managing time away from a specific weight regimen?
5. What are good substitutes for my regular workout?
Etc., etc., etc.

So to be able to envision a running vs. swimming thread being the only really suitable type of thread for the proposed forum seems to indicate the need for greater consideration of the types of thread that may be suitable. OMNI is a great forum for many things,, but as a place that is a easy to search via a scan of newly posted threads, it is not ideal. I would suggest that a forum as proposed might well be welcomed by those currently relegated to looking in OMNI. Noise to signal is too high there.

That's kind of my initial thoughts on the matter too. I've seen too many very well answered threads on the destination forums I read in the past. I wonder if those threads would be as well answered if they were moved to a catch-all forum, and I tend to doubt it because instead of visitors having questions answered by those who use the gyms week in week out, they'd have to hope that someone else reading the forum for gym travel tips had happened to go to the gym/area being being inquired about.

So it seems that there is common agreement that removing the Hotel and Geographic specific forum threads is a poor idea. I agree with this. If this were the basis on which this forum were created I would vote against it myself. I believe that keeping the threads in the location and hotels forums where they currently exist is a good call. I do however think that such info is too widely dispersed to be of use for the member whose main query relates to Health and Fitness rather than a specific geographic area. The new forum would serve a broad range of needs and could easily have a user maintained (as in other forums) sticky that acted as a compendium of location and hotel specific threads. Much more to this issue than merely relocating information, but as the above two posts illustrate, we should be very careful about not relocating certain hotel and location specific data. The OMNI data could very reasonably be relocated however.

”Some of post deleted by mjm as it reinforces a very good point stated and agreed to regarding the need to not do a way with some of the gym threads being in locations specific forums.”

Now, if we take away destination specific fora, what does that leave us with on a Fitness forum? Exercise blogs and "which gym should I join?" type questions? But you have to ask yourself: is FT really the place you are likely to get the best quality of answers on these or would you not rather go to a fitness-related board (rather than an FFP one) to get answers on this? By all means, let these be discussed on OMNI if FTers want to. That is the whole point of OMNI: discuss whatever you want there. But I really doubt that "which gym should I join?"-type questions are in FT's remit and really require a forum to be set up. FT is not the be-all and end-all of any question any FTer might have on the universe and beyond. Let us excel at what we are good at and recognize our limitations and not try to be everything for everyone.

Again I would point out that the stated but entirely limited view of what might exist in a Fitness forum is but a small subset of the type of info I would hope to find there. The “Let them eat cake” style comments about OMNI being the place for any and all such conversations is admittedly humorous, but I think that it was intended to be serious. That speaks to a lack of understanding. How to resolve that? I do not have a great answer to that, but I think NickB has been around long enough to know that many do in fact use FT as the first place or one of a few main places they seek knowledge. People have come to trust the info received here and as such, not being strictly about Miles and Points is not exactly valid reasoning to not consider this forum.

I do hope that more serious discussion of this forum continues, and if the destination specific and hotels forum concerns have been adequately addressed, that we can in fact look at the reasons for the creation of the forum as opposed to simply trying to compare fitness to all other OMNI type threads. If it does not work out after say 6 months, can it and move it to OMNI. FT, like many living documents the world over, is designed to address changing needs by its very nature. This may well be a need whose time has come. Shall we be brave enough to try it?

Is this not the precedent that TB has started with its Traveling w/ Pets, Traveling w/ Children, Traveling w/ Disability, etc.?IMO, this is fundamentally different. Those fora are primarily oriented towards issues arising out of the logistics of travel with children, pets, etc... The typical kind of threads are "Getting through screening with a 18-month old" or "taxes for lap child on international" or "traveling with pet in cabin", "airlines hike pet fares" or "traveling with oxygen" or "wheelchair procedures and etiquette". They are not oriented towards "What is the best school in my city" type-question.

I think NickB has been around long enough to know that many do in fact use FT as the first place or one of a few main places they seek knowledge. People have come to trust the info received here and as such, not being strictly about Miles and Points is not exactly valid reasoning to not consider this forum.Sure. Some FTers have exchanges on FT which have nothing to do with points and miles, or even travel at all. That is why we have Omni, or lounge threads within specific fora. This is their very purpose. It does not follow from that FT should create a forum for just about anything individuals who happen to be FTers wish to talk about. FT has a focus: it is a pretty unique repository of expertise and experience of frequent travelers programme and frequent travel. I would prefer it not to lose that focus and have a couple of dozens forum on travel lost in a thousand fora on the meaning of life and the universe. I do not think that FT would gain by attempting to be eveything and anything for everybody and anybody.

I am sorry if my comment had a "let them eat cake" sound to it. It is not how it was intended. It was, however, intended to convey the view that FT is a BB with a specific focus, not an all-purpose social networking site and I would prefer it to remain that way.

IMO, this is fundamentally different. Those fora are primarily oriented towards issues arising out of the logistics of travel with children, pets, etc... The typical kind of threads are "Getting through screening with a 18-month old" or "taxes for lap child on international" or "traveling with pet in cabin", "airlines hike pet fares" or "traveling with oxygen" or "wheelchair procedures and etiquette". They are not oriented towards "What is the best school in my city" type-question.


But that just takes one of the proposed thread types. The examples given in the OP are very much about logistics of travel when one is an exerciser. Just as one might ask in the Pet forum which airline is most accommodating of golden retrievers, one might ask in the exercise forum what hotel chain generally has the most impressive gyms.

Fundamentally different? Hmmm…. That does not hold if the differentiating characteristic is “What can I as a member of a “Ft Special Interest Group” do to facilitate the enjoyment of my travel experience? It would seem you feel that travelers with Children, Pets, or Wheelchairs think solely of the airport and the airplane when considering their “special interest” when traveling. Again I say, Hmmmm…..

Travel to most of us is so much more than the getting there. I would say that the mere existence of the Hotel fora is indicative of that. And if those with an interest in the destination have a “Special Interest”, what exactly is it that sets a pet or a belief system, or a child above, in terms of worthiness for a forum to locate and centralize information, the desire to exercise?

It strikes me that if one perceives Fitness as solely finding the gym, then that person may actually not be as into the exercise part of the equation as the holding of a membership card. In re-reading that sentence it sounds like I am finger pointing, but please take it as intended. That is to say, there is so much more to Fitness than merely finding a great gym. Heck, if that were all this proposed forum were about I would vote against it as well.

As to the “some FTers” having exchanges on things other than points and miles, I would say you undershoot the mark by a fair margin. Look at fora such as:

TravelBuzz (verily defined as non-Frequent Flyer oriented)
Travel Technology
Travel Photography
Travel Products
Travel Safety
Cruises
CommunityBuzz
Etc.

All of these and more evolve because the travel experience is not solely mile and points. Were that the case those fora would have never come into existence. Or have been allowed to exist once re-examined. The point is the travel experience extends far beyond the plane and the airport. Those are two of my favorite parts for sure, but not the only two parts. What I believe is being suggested with this forum is the ability to enhance the post arrival part of the travel in a way that is as efficient as the Hotel for a, the Dining forum, etc.

As for apologizing for the “Let them eat cake” perception I had, no need sir, no need. I appreciate the opinions and I enjoy the debate. I would suggest though that our own perception of what FT is or should be can all too thoroughly color our commentary on the validity of the ideas of others. I find myself to be a prime offender in that regard all to often, but I am still hopeful that my input is well received even though I do tend to be the one asking, “what forest?” all to often.


IMO, this is fundamentally different. Those fora are primarily oriented towards issues arising out of the logistics of travel with children, pets, etc... The typical kind of threads are "Getting through screening with a 18-month old" or "taxes for lap child on international" or "traveling with pet in cabin", "airlines hike pet fares" or "traveling with oxygen" or "wheelchair procedures and etiquette". They are not oriented towards "What is the best school in my city" type-question.

Sure. Some FTers have exchanges on FT which have nothing to do with points and miles, or even travel at all. That is why we have Omni, or lounge threads within specific fora. This is their very purpose. It does not follow from that FT should create a forum for just about anything individuals who happen to be FTers wish to talk about. FT has a focus: it is a pretty unique repository of expertise and experience of frequent travelers programme and frequent travel. I would prefer it not to lose that focus and have a couple of dozens forum on travel lost in a thousand fora on the meaning of life and the universe. I do not think that FT would gain by attempting to be eveything and anything for everybody and anybody.

I am sorry if my comment had a "let them eat cake" sound to it. It is not how it was intended. It was, however, intended to convey the view that FT is a BB with a specific focus, not an all-purpose social networking site and I would prefer it to remain that way.

My other thought is, and it's been kind of raised already, that we don't know what goodies (if any!) the new version of FT will bring us and for issues such as this, as someone up thread already pointed out, there may be some new tools to handle this kind of problem, where we can classify threads in different ways.

I normally hate wait and see responses, but since we seem to be so close to the change over, then I suggest a little bit of waiting and seeing wouldn't hurt.

My other thought is, and it's been kind of raised already, that we don't know what goodies (if any!) the new version of FT will bring us and for issues such as this, as someone up thread already pointed out, there may be some new tools to handle this kind of problem, where we can classify threads in different ways.

I normally hate wait and see responses, but since we seem to be so close to the change over, then I suggest a little bit of waiting and seeing wouldn't hurt.

IME, that is not an advisable approach when it comes to IT. ;)

IME, that is not an advisable approach when it comes to IT. ;)
I definitely said 'a little bit'. I was going to add something about kicking me in 2 weeks if nothing had been heard, but thought that was probably unwise ;)

While I can see both sides of this debate, it seems to me that FT could be a very good place for the intersection of people passionate about travel and people passionate about fitness. And God knows I'd benefit from a few more workouts on the road rather than treating travel as an excuse to not work out. :td:

So, while it may indeed confuse folks about where a 'jogging in Bangkok' thread might belong, upon reflection, I think I'd be willing to give a fitness while travelling forum a try.

I definitely said 'a little bit'. I was going to add something about kicking me in 2 weeks if nothing had been heard, but thought that was probably unwise ;)

I'm with you in hoping that the new version gives us nice goodies, but I just don't see how those goodies would amount to solving this particular issue. Maybe I'm wrong, but then again, those would have to be some damn good goodies.

Fundamentally different? Hmmm…. That does not hold if the differentiating characteristic is “What can I as a member of a “Ft Special Interest Group” do to facilitate the enjoyment of my travel experience? It would seem you feel that travelers with Children, Pets, or Wheelchairs think solely of the airport and the airplane when considering their “special interest” when traveling. Again I say, Hmmmm…..

Travel to most of us is so much more than the getting there. I would say that the mere existence of the Hotel fora is indicative of that. And if those with an interest in the destination have a “Special Interest”, what exactly is it that sets a pet or a belief system, or a child above, in terms of worthiness for a forum to locate and centralize information, the desire to exercise?

It strikes me that if one perceives Fitness as solely finding the gym, then that person may actually not be as into the exercise part of the equation as the holding of a membership card. In re-reading that sentence it sounds like I am finger pointing, but please take it as intended. That is to say, there is so much more to Fitness than merely finding a great gym. Heck, if that were all this proposed forum were about I would vote against it as well.

As to the “some FTers” having exchanges on things other than points and miles, I would say you undershoot the mark by a fair margin. Look at fora such as:

TravelBuzz (verily defined as non-Frequent Flyer oriented)
Travel Technology
Travel Photography
Travel Products
Travel Safety
Cruises
CommunityBuzz
Etc.

All of these and more evolve because the travel experience is not solely mile and points. Were that the case those fora would have never come into existence. Or have been allowed to exist once re-examined. The point is the travel experience extends far beyond the plane and the airport. Those are two of my favorite parts for sure, but not the only two parts. What I believe is being suggested with this forum is the ability to enhance the post arrival part of the travel in a way that is as efficient as the Hotel for a, the Dining forum, etc.
No, not solely miles and points but closely related to the travel process itself (except CommunityBuzz, but I don't think that one can base an argument just on CommunityBuzz).

It seems to me that, a "fitness on the go" forum would be a forum that would be defined by what you do while you travel rather than the travel process itself. I can think of only two existing fora that fit that description: Diningbuzz and Gaming.
Gaming only garnered support after the proposal was turned into a "gaming loyalty programs" forum rather than a more generic one precisely on the ground that otherwise we were moving too far away from travel and miles and points (what has happened to this, btw? I can't seem to find it anywhere).

So that leaves us with DiningBuzz. Not sure whether it is on its own that much of a precedent.

Also, if we take away the location-specific items which many posters have agreed should stay in location specific fora, unless I have misunderstood, I do not see that many topics on fitness that would remain travel-related.

I take it that those who think that a "fitness on the go forum" is a good idea would presumably agree too to "Arts on the Go", "Dance on the Go", "Reading on the Go", "Music on the Go", "Golfing on the Go", "Architecture" on the Go, "TV on the Go", "Radio on the Go", etc...?

After all, these are pretty much indistinguishable from Fitness on the go: all fora defined solely by an activity that one might wish to undertake while traveling.

It seems to me that, a "fitness on the go" forum would be a forum that would be defined by what you do while you travel rather than the travel process itself. I can think of only two existing fora that fit that description: Diningbuzz and Gaming.

I couldn't disagree more. For many of us exercising on the road is definitely part of the travel process. Exercise is intimately linked with our travel just as much as figuring out the good tourist sites, finding a nice beach, or taking a nice picture are.

Further, if you're going to use the metric you just identified, a whole host of fora aren't covered besides Diningbuzz and Gaming. How is Travel Photography about the travel process? Or any of the destination fora, for that matter?

. . . our own perception of what FT is or should be can all too thoroughly color our commentary on the validity of the ideas of others. . .

Very insightful statement.

I nominate you for TalkBoard, mjm! :)

Since elections are a few months away, I nominate mjm to represent me re: this issue. I agree w/ his points, but he's more eloquent than me.

Cheers.

I couldn't disagree more. For many of us exercising on the road is definitely part of the travel process. Exercise is intimately linked with our travel just as much as figuring out the good tourist sites, finding a nice beach, or taking a nice picture are.

Further, if you're going to use the metric you just identified, a whole host of fora aren't covered besides Diningbuzz and Gaming. How is Travel Photography about the travel process? Or any of the destination fora, for that matter?Absolutely about the destination fora, but I thought that there was a certain consensus about not taking destination-specific information out of the destination fora, which then leaves us just with DiningBuzz as a forum comparable to fitness on the go.

Don't get me wrong: I am not saying that anything to do with fitness should be proscribed from any forum on FT . I am merely saying that fitness is no different from anything that you might want to do while away on travel and if you think that it is an appropriate topic for a forum, I do not see how you could argue against any other activity that can be undertaken by FTers (i.e. by anybody) while traveling as an equallly appropriate topic for its own dedicated forum
For many FTers, going to museums is part of traveling, going to concerts is part of traveling, golfing is part of traveling, sampling the architectural delights of their destination is part of traveling, listening to music on their IPOD is part of traveling, reading novels is part of traveling, etc... So, if you think that it is a good idea to have a 'fitness on the go' forum, I find it hard to see how you could be consistent with yourself and not be equally in favour of fora such as those I just mentioned or any other activity "on the go". So can I take as read that you would would be happy to have a few hundred fora on activities "on the go", as long as some FTers want it? If not, why not?

And if so, what would one do with the destination fora, which would be largely emptied of all contents?

Again, as I said above, I have difficulty identifying many topics of discussion on fitness which are both travel-related and non-destination specific. Sure, there are some but enough to sustain a forum? I'd dearly love to have a few examples, as those provided by mjm above are, it seems to me, mostly either destination-specific or non-travel related.

Can folks who support this idea for a forum provide some links maybe of existing threads that may fit in this proposed forum. After discussing it with others, I can see some more value to this concept - but I'm still interested in seeing some sample discussion that may fit within this category. The only reason I ask is because I'm curious just how much traffic this forum will have. Some other forums created recently have been near dead zones even though there was a lot of support recently (so dead, that I'm thinking they should be shut down - but that's another topic...).

Thanks!

Again, as I said above, I have difficulty identifying many topics of discussion on fitness which are both travel-related and non-destination specific. Sure, there are some but enough to sustain a forum? I'd dearly love to have a few examples, as those provided by mjm above are, it seems to me, mostly either destination-specific or non-travel related.

Agree, though I've long been questioning the real need for a super-sized FT which caters to every conceivable activity, pasttime or hobby.

Ok, now we've got the new software, is this something that could be addressed by establishing a social group for those interested in discussing all things active while travelling?

Obviously destination related stuff remains in the destination forum, but with social groups, we've now got the ability to start to add multi-dimensional stuff instead of always thinking of forums and threads.

Just a thought...

Ok, now we've got the new software, is this something that could be addressed by establishing a social group for those interested in discussing all things active while travelling?

Obviously destination related stuff remains in the destination forum, but with social groups, we've now got the ability to start to add multi-dimensional stuff instead of always thinking of forums and threads.

Just a thought...Now that sounds interesting and a potential solution indeed, but where can we get info on the features of the spanking new FT?

By just having a poke around I'm afraid. Social Groups are under My Flyertalk. There's a lot of stuff out there to find and play with - I've just had my first 'friend notification'! :)

An interesting posibility indeed. But as your subsequent post points out, how visible will it really be. Could a sticky to the various active social groups be added in a very obvious place or places?

Will try and dig up some thrteads another time. I am on a borrowed computer in a hotel business center until Wednesday.

Ok, now we've got the new software, is this something that could be addressed by establishing a social group for those interested in discussing all things active while travelling?

Obviously destination related stuff remains in the destination forum, but with social groups, we've now got the ability to start to add multi-dimensional stuff instead of always thinking of forums and threads.

Just a thought...

Now that sounds interesting and a potential solution indeed, but where can we get info on the features of the spanking new FT?
According to Mikel (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10317530&postcount=31), a new announcement should be up sometimes today.

No idea as to how much "improvements" are put into play and how "loose" the fora boundary would be with the new software though.

I am still way behind the Facebook or MySpace. As Jenbel hinted, it may be interesting to see how FT as a vBulletin functions with the now popular social (network) groups.

Just saw the Flyertalk Upgrade announcement (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/announcement.php?f=386&a=264):

* Social Groups - FlyerTalk Premium members now have the ability to create social groups centered around shared interests/commonalities. For example, a social group might be created called "Beantown FTers." The group would serve as its own mini-community where members could discuss Boston-specific topics and post photos. Or, a Do group could be created where the agenda could be posted, as well as Do photos taken by attendees. Though social group creation is limited to FlyerTalk Premium members, anyone can join and participate in groups. The sky is the limit, and since the sky is a home away from home for many of you we're confident you will be comfortable exploring the possibilities.

Would this new "Social Groups" feature good enough to satisfy and cover the scope of fitness-on-the-go forum proposal?

Even though social groups appear to be "open" to the FT public, I assume the info/discussion won't be as easily accessibile/viewable as the threads/forum in FT, right?

I agree with everything mjm said in post # 8 & would support the addition of this forum. Cheers.


Same goes for me. While I'm not known around these parts as an exercise expert, I think that a new forum will be a good idea for health nuts. ;)

Even though social groups appear to be "open" to the FT public, I assume the info/discussion won't be as easily accessibile/viewable as the threads/forum in FT, right?

They can be public or private. It's the choice of the social group organizer. And though they're not as easily accessible as a normal FT thread, they can easily be viewed by anyone familiar with navigating FT.

One caveat....you must be a FT Premium Member, i.e., subscribe to the ad-free version of FT, to be able to create a new social group.

They can be public or private. It's the choice of the social group organizer. And though they're not as easily accessible as a normal FT thread, they can easily be viewed by anyone familiar with navigating FT.

One caveat....you must be a FT Premium Member, i.e., subscribe to the ad-free version of FT, to be able to create a new social group.

Cholula, thank you for this info.

I'd like to set up a group or two, once I understand what's practical.
Are these groups an extension of the PM functionality, the forum/threads or something else, like chat?

I'd like to set up groups for sharing news and reviews on:
- Duty Free deals (DiningBuzz)
- Fine dining
- Travel photography
- Premium fares ;)
- Sydney / SYD get togethers
- FT Downunder ;)
- Fitness on the go (pls PM/invite me!)

I'm unsure how the social groups work, but perhaps participants in this debate for a FotG forum could join such a group t and we can put all existing threads into an index.

Would that be helpful in the interim?

Thanks...
A fitness on the go grou

An interesting posibility indeed. But as your subsequent post points out, how visible will it really be. Could a sticky to the various active social groups be added in a very obvious place or places?

Will try and dig up some thrteads another time. I am on a borrowed computer in a hotel business center until Wednesday.
Well it's there as a link on various of the FT menus - My Flyertalk, quick links. So it is pretty prominent.

I commented in the private TB forum that if this proposal does gain legs, I'd like to see it expanded to "healthy living on the go" given the number of "how do I eat healthy" threads that pop up on various airline threads and that I've seen in other places (like Women Travelers). These threads usually start at "since airline X cut out this blah-blah special meal, how do eat healthy now?" and diverge into the same territory no matter where they are posted.

Good idea, techgirl! ^

Looks like discussion here stalled a bit, so I'll post some links to other threads in Flyertalk to get things moving along:

Hotels-->Hilton HHonors forum, post, "Which Hiltons have the best fitness centers"
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=567961

In the same forum, there are postings within some property-specific threads such as Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hilton Waikola Village, etc that contain gym info. I remember specifically posting some info about both of these properties, but finding it is proving difficult.

In this thread, "Quick Trip Report - Hampton Inn Carson City, Nevada", I asked the poster to elaborate a bit on the workout facilities at the property:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=829251

A quick browse in the hotels-->Starwood forum, found this post: Westin Workout rooms: are they worth it? How available are they?
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=801147

In the Travelbuzz forum, I found this thread: I hate hotel workout rooms
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=602122&highlight=workout

In the Airline forums, US Airways Dividend Miles forum, I started a thread in June about a trip to LAS, including using the 24 Hour Fitness onsite:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=834156

Omni forum, thread, "How much do you pay for gym membership":
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=856887

Also in Omni, the Omni Exercise Blog:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504159


I agree with techgirl, that if this moves forward, a "Healthy Living," approach would be more appropriate. I remember reading a story in Men's Fitness some time ago about being in a hotel room, late at night, restaurants closed, and you're stuck with a vending machine that has AAA, BBB, and CCC, which do you select to not break your diet. Things like that, along with the meal to select (or not), along with what snacks to pack, would certainly all fit in.

Please let me know what other support I can gather together.

So its been over a week since anyone posted in this thread. What happens next...where do we go from here?

I've been out of town for 9 days, but I'm still supportive of the creation of this forum. Actually more so following my trip than before. And I like techgirl's idea of expanding it a bit in scope.

Also I'd prefer it to be a forum than a social networking group for a couple of reasons:

a) not everyone does the premium FT so they would automatically be excluded, which means some potentially good input could be lost;

b) based on the # of emails I've gotten re: joining a gazillion dif social networking groups or being friends since FT started it, odds are I'm not going to join them all, as I barely have enough time to check the forums I am interested in. Granted this would a single one, but I'd rather have it created as a forum & then just add it to MyFlyertalk.

So, again my vote goes for the add the forum.

Cheers.

a) not everyone does the premium FT so they would automatically be excluded, which means some potentially good input could be lost; I was under the impression that you needed to be a premium FTer to create a social group, but not necessarily to join one. Is that not the case?

I've brought this topic up in the private TB forum & I support at Travel Health & Fitness forum.

Even though I spend a lot more time on another fitness website, I would find value on having this forum on FT also. Especially since most people on the other site don't do any significant travelling.

Since there's a thread mentioning that comments welcome - voting underway, perhaps people should post in that one instead?

Cheers.

I agree this would be a helpful section to add onto FlyerTalk. One of the things I hate about travelling is not being able to keep my regular workout routine. I lift weights competitively, and must keep on working out while on the road, otherwise risk sliding backwards.

New cities are always a challange - as I never know where the nearest fitness center is located.

Plus, "fitness centers" at hotels are wildly erratic, ranging from a few treadmills and a universal machine, to some places with either enough free weights to get a good workout in, or those who issue passes to the nearest "real" fitness center.

--jofegan
Hunki wrote:


Even though I spend a lot more time on another fitness website, I would find value on having this forum on FT also. Especially since most people on the other site don't do any significant travelling.

I was looking for exactly this sort of venue at FT today and found this thread. Still looks like nothing was created -- is there any activity or discussion underway to create a forum?
Matt

I was looking for exactly this sort of venue at FT today and found this thread. Still looks like nothing was created -- is there any activity or discussion underway to create a forum?
Matt

No, it died a similar quiet death as did our gazillionith attempt at upgrading FT's smilies choices.

Perhaps now that we have a relatively new TB in place, the issue will be revived. I'm not so much in favor of it as to champion the cause but I might be convinced to support a motion.

No, it died a similar quiet death as did our gazillionith attempt at upgrading FT's smilies choices.

Perhaps now that we have a relatively new TB in place, the issue will be revived. I'm not so much in favor of it as to champion the cause but I might be convinced to support a motion.

I intend to revive it, but figured we'd let the new TB settle in a bit. Also, now knowing from the last time that a simple yes I support it is not adequate for some of the TB members in terms of considering input, will let the folk who did support it the last time know that they'll need to augment their responses.

PS - It didn't really die a quiet death. It didn't get the requisite # of votes because a TB member who was supportive of it wasn't able to vote at the time, hence it was short one vote in terms of passing.

Cheers.

Here's the result of the TB motion from last term. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/town-hall-official-talkboard-voting-decisions/873440-motion-failed-travel-health-fitness-forum.html)

Personally, I still support the forum. ^

Here's the result of the TB motion from last term. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/town-hall-official-talkboard-voting-decisions/873440-motion-failed-travel-health-fitness-forum.html)

Personally, I still support the forum. ^

I'd forgotten that we even voted on this motion.

But then again I've also forgotten what I had for breakfast this morning. :o

I've mellowed in the New Year and might even support this motion if it comes up for a vote again.

Having read through the entire thread, I would be very supportive (and a heavy user/contributor) of a "Fitness on the Go" forum. ^

I'm the one who initiated this the last time. I'm a bit more bogged down with things at work right now (aren't we all), as well as other things, but I'd be happy to continue on this as I can.

Do I need to submit a whole new proposal, or would people contributing their support to this existing thread be sufficient?