In September 2013, GoodLife Fitness will open its first in-airport club at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario. The 11,000-square-foot club will boast cardio and strength equipment, free luggage storage, a lounge area and full-service locker rooms.
According to David Patchell-Evans, the founder and CEO of GoodLife Fitness, the idea for the airport location struck during Patchell-Evans’ frequent travels to some of GoodLife’s 300 clubs. After meeting with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), a partnership between GTAA and GoodLife Fitness was formed.
“The GTAA was looking for the right company to fill this very need at Toronto Pearson International Airport, and agreed that GoodLife Fitness would be an excellent way to both enhance the travel experience for their passengers, as well as be able to provide airport employees with a fitness facility to support a healthy lifestyle,” explained Patchell-Evans.
Travelers will be able to purchase either a full GoodLife Fitness membership (which gives you access to all of GoodLife’s clubs coast-to-coast), or a one-day pass.
“We think it will change how people travel and how they incorporate activity into their everyday lives, especially if they travel often,” said Patchell-Evans. “It also helps to remove one more barrier for people who are very busy.”
According to Patchell-Evans, if the Pearson International location is successful, additional airport locations could be a possibility. “We think having a fitness club in an airport is a great concept, and we have gotten incredible feedback,” he said. “We will definitely consider opening more clubs in other airports in Canada if this initial concept is successful.”
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
Great idea, my question is when I am flying out for example, do I check in my boarding pass, bags first and go through customs or workout first then check in my bags, boarding pass and go through customs. Thank you