Airports are not often renowned for their fitness facilities…..
When international travel is part of your job description you spend a lot of wasted hours at airports. Even if business and first-class travel mean you’re likely to skip the queues at check-in you’ve still then got a couple of hours waiting time before your flight boards. So how do you best use that time?
Well, you can catch up on emails or phone calls hunched over your laptop with your phone jammed between your ear and your shoulder. Or you could wander aimlessly around the shopping centres enjoying a little mobility before you’re stuck on a flight for hours. Or better still you could use the time to work out.
The travel industry is demonstrating an increasing interest in wellness and fitness and many airports now offer you the opportunity to take a yoga class, lift weights or get on the treadmill. Here are five of the best ways to help you stay fit whilst travelling for business.
Roam Fitness Gym
Roam Fitness Gym opened its doors at Baltimore – Washington International Airport last year. Its prime location after you pass through security means you can workout immediately before your flight. The gym offers a cardio and weights room, plyo boxes and yoga props. You can also rent your workout gear and take a shower guaranteeing you board your flight refreshed and relaxed.
Dubai Airport
Dubai International Hotel, the airport’s very own hotel gives you the chance to enjoy a pre-flight swim and Jacuzzi. If you need to relax after a swim, then you can also use the sauna and steam room as part of the spa amenities.
The Health Clubs are located at Terminal 3 – Concourse C, Concourse B and soon to be in Concourse A.
There’s even a billiards table if you fancy a less strenuous activity!
Flyfit Wellness and Fitness Studio
Flyfit is opening its first facility at Heathrow Airport later this year with further global locations planned. Conveniently situated after security it will offer instructor-led classes, rental workout clothing and shower facilities.
Zurich Airport
Zurich’s airport fitness facility is located in the Hotel Radisson Blu and offers a broad range of fitness and wellness services. Workout in the gym or relax on a waterbed watching the aquariums.
Yoga on the Fly
Yoga on the Fly opened their first studio at Denver Airport in 2017. The studio has five rooms each with ipads ready loaded with yoga and meditation sessions. Rooms can be rented at 15-minute intervals. Expect to see Yoga on the Fly opening up in more locations across the US this year. Company co-founder Avery Westlund was quoted recently in the NY Times as saying, “Travel can be a grind and yoga and meditation are simple and efficient ways to alleviate the stress”.
Frequent flying can leave you physically and emotionally exhausted. And whilst airports have traditionally been a place where you have the least options to exercise or even to move around that’s starting to change. So next time you’re planning to travel for business ask yourself this: How do I want to spend my long waiting time at the airport? Hunched over my laptop, wandering through duty-free or investing in my health and fitness.
© 2018 Extravitality
