Whenever I travel, the last thing on my mind is fitness. However, recent trends in air travel suggest that I may be a minority, as more airports are providing fitness options for the people who traverse the terminals. Walking paths, gyms and airport hotels that feature well-equipped fitness rooms are becoming more and more common, making health on-the-go, that much easier.
The San Francisco International Airport recently revealed a new yoga room in one of its terminals — Terminal 2 — where yoga enthusiasts can practice moves at their own pace. “[The yoga room] really fit into the whole concept of Terminal 2, to make air travel a less stressful experience,” said Charles Schuler, the associate deputy director of communications and marketing for San Francisco International.
According to Schuler, making fitness more accessible to travelers is becoming a trend in air travel. The airport is currently in the process of redesigning Boarding Area E to provide for more accessible fitness as well, said Schuler. “Every time I’ve walked by [the yoga room] I’ve seen people using it,” he said.
Traveling to another destination besides San Francisco? The Los Angeles International Airport has a place for travelers to do yoga and tai chi in the LAX Flag Courtyard, and in a partnership with the American Heart Association, the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport supplied a walking path for those experiencing layovers.
“Especially in airports like ours, some way for people to exercise is important,” said Patrick Hogan, the director of public affairs and marketing for Minneapolis-St. Paul International. According to Patrick, about 50 percent of the people that come through the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport are waiting to connect to other flights. “It’s a nice option for people who perhaps have been sitting on a plan for hours to stretch their legs.”
The next time you book a flight, check out an airport’s website to see if any fitness options will be readily available to you — especially if you have a layover. Although working out while traveling might not be the most convenient, it’s a healthy way to pass the time in between flights and a great alternative to spending it at an airport bar or restaurant.
By Rachel Zabonick
