Travellers who want to skip the hotel fitness centre in favour of local gyms that may offer better equipment, classes and amenities can turn to new apps on their smartphones to buy a day pass to a nearby gym.

“Most hotel gyms are just a small row of treadmills, and maybe a half-complete weight rack. For anyone serious about working out, it’s usually not enough,” said Kevin Bracken, chief executive officer of new iPhone app Gymsurfing based in San Francisco, California.

Users open the app to see gyms nearby and the price of a day pass, as well as other offers.

“You see a variety of gyms and amenities they offer, such as the type of equipment they have, and whether they have pools, saunas, or spas,” said Bracken.

The gyms available through the app range from corporate-style to old-school bodybuilding and family-style establishments, with day passes costing between $5 to $20.

The app features passes for gyms in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami and Toronto, with plans to include others.