You can’t always avoid long layovers when you’re traveling, but you can make good use of your time while you’re waiting. Instead of wandering through the airport or sitting around until it’s time to board your flight, consider fitting in a workout. A growing number of airports worldwide are putting in fitness facilities for this purpose.
Benefits of Staying Active During Layovers
Exercising while you’re waiting during a long layover provides some important benefits. In addition to getting physical activity for better health, working out at the airport also offers you a great opportunity to ease travel stress. If you’re feeling restless or anxious while waiting, exercising gives you a way to stay occupied and even clear your mind, so you’ll feel more relaxed for your upcoming flight. Whether you do some yoga moves or work out on a treadmill, you’ll also benefit from the mood-lifting endorphins that your body releases during physical activity.
Where to Work Out
Changi Singapore International Airport
The Ambassador Transit Lounge in Singapore offers a place to fit in a challenging cardio workout during layovers. The facility features cross trainers, free weights, and several other pieces of exercise equipment. Massage services are also available if you want to relax after a rigorous exercise session.
Chicago O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare Airport’s Hilton Athletic Club, located in Terminal 2, has a total of 23 exercise machines and equipment to choose from. Work out on the weight machines, go for a run on one of the treadmills or swim laps in an Olympic-size pool.
Munich Airport
The central part of Munich Airport is where you’ll find the Kempinski Hotel Fit & Fly Spa. At this facility, you can either work up a sweat on exercise equipment or get a good workout while swimming. If you need some guidance during your workout, you can request a personal trainer. Afterwards, you can unwind in the facility’s Finnish sauna and get a massage. A Jacuzzi and solarium are also available at this state-of-the-art fitness facility.
San Francisco’s International Airport
If you’re into yoga or if you’ve always wanted to give it a try, head to Terminal 2 to spend some time in the yoga room. You don’t have to bring a mat with you if you plan on coming to this facility. Yoga mats and other equipment are there already for anyone to use. Since this is a self-led yoga room, keep in mind that you won’t find trainers around to guide you.
Vancouver International Airport
When you have a long layover in Vancouver, make plans to visit the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel Fitness Facility. This fitness facility has a wide range of exercise machines and equipment available, including elliptical trainers, rowing machines, and bicycles. You can also go for a swim in the facility’s pool and even rent workout clothes if you left yours at home.
Working out in the airport will generally cost you at least a small fee. Rates for these facilities typically range from $15 to $30 as a flat fee, although some facilities charge an hourly rate that averages $15 per hour. Keep in mind that rates vary depending on the fitness facility and the type of exercise program you participate in. Additional services, such as massages, usually cost extra. The cost, the time, and the effort will be worth it.
