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SUZANNE SCHLOSBERG knows a thing or two about working out while on the road. She's sweated it out in a gym stuffed with infomercial gizmos while traveling in Morocco, pumped iron on homemade weight training equipment in Zimbabwe and run up and down more than her fair share of crumbling motel basement stairways.

Actually, Schlosberg is a lot like you, the HERS reader: Exercise is an integral part of your life and you wouldn't miss it for the world. Come hell or high water, you'll find a way to work out no matter how offbeat the destination and no matter how extenuating the circumstances.

Luckily, you can read Schlosberg's book, Fitness for Travelers: The Ultimate Workout Guide for the Road (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002), and draw on her extensive experience to help guide you through the challenges of maintaining your home-away-from-home fitness routine. On the following pages, Schlosberg shares her favorite gyms in seven cities. Admittedly, the locations aren't as exotic as some of the places Schlosberg has been to, but they're certainly the top business and pleasure spots you're likely to pass through when you travel. She also offers some sage advice for fitting in a workout while you're on the move, and she recommends important websites for travel-weary workout buffs.

CLUB: The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers

LOCATION: Pier 60, off West Street

WHAT IT OFFERS: Pool, rock climbing wall, indoor track, boxing ring, volleyball pit, group classes, basketball courts, extensive array of weight training and cardio equipment, juice bar, spa.

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT: Just about every physical activity imaginable is offered at this fitness mecca. If the large and comprehensive strength training and cardio areas aren't enough for you, sample one of the more than 100 group classes a week, sprint laps around the indoor track, scramble up the 60-foot rock wall or do laps in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. After your workout, indulge yourself with a pineapple smoothie and an antiaging facial.

THAT LITTLE EXTRA: Still need a fitness fix? Check out any of the adjacent facilities, including a golfing range, ice-skating rink, halfpipe skate park and equestrian center.

PRICING: Guest passes are $50 a day.

CONTACT INFO: (212) 336-6000, www.chelseapiers.com

CLUB: Plus One Fitness, Soho

LOCATION: 106 Crosby Street at Prince Street

WHAT IT OFFERS: Weight training and cardio areas, physical therapy unit

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT: This tiny gem shines in a city jampacked with fitness options. The talented team of certified personal trainers specializes in everything from weight loss to training for serious competition. In fact, all this ultra-exclusive gym offers is personal training and physical therapy by appointment only. It's an underground fave among celebrities and the high-powered business set.

THAT LITTLE EXTRA: You get your own private bathroom and shower.

PRICING: $88 per session and up.

CONTACT INFO: (212) 334-1116, www.plusone.com

CHICAGO

CLUB: Lakeshore Athletic Club, Streeterville

LOCATION: 333 East Ontario Street

WHAT IT OFFERS: Spacious cardio and weight training areas including a women's only section, indoor pool, racquetball, indoor tennis, squash courts.

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT: Located just steps off Michigan Avenue, the main shopping drag in Chicago, this newly renovated club offers the most extensive indoor tennis and racquet sports program in the city. Even if you're not a tennis buff, this 66,000-square-foot facility is bound to offer some other workout to pique your interest: Why not try Krav Maga martial arts or scuba diving? There's also a full spa to help you unwind after a workout.

THAT LITTLE EXTRA: Streeterville's two sister locations--Lakeshore Athletic Club Downtown and Illinois Center--though not as new, are also pretty awesome.

PRICING: Guest passes are $15 a day; complimentary day passes for guests of the Holiday Inn in the same building.

CONTACT INFO: 312-944-4546, www.lsac.com

ATLANTA

CLUB: Concourse Athletic Club

LOCATION: 8 Concourse Parkway

WHAT IT OFFERS: Cardio, strength training, racquetball and squash courts, indoor running track, outdoor clay tennis courts, indoor basketball courts, indoor and outdoor pool, cafe, spa, salon.

WHY IT'S A STANDOUT: You almost won't know what to try first at this outrageously luxurious facility. Do you take a boxing class? Work your core muscles in a one-on-one Pilates session? Pump it up with a personal trainer? Sign up for a free swim stroke analysis? The club offers all that and so much more ... you can't possibly experience it all.

THAT LITTLE EXTRA: Tons of down-home Southern hospitality from the super-friendly staff help this mega club retain a cozy and personal appeal.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:22 AM