Namaste at the Airport: Passengers Enjoy Exercise During Layovers
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APEX Insight: Health and wellness are on the minds of many travelers who would like to maintain their fitness while in transit. Long layovers present an opportunity for a workout, and airports are responding by offering designated exercise spaces, from yoga rooms to tracks for walking or running.
In addition to the health club at Fairmont Vancouver Airport, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) launched a pilot program this summer, trialing yoga for travelers. The program provides a designated space for complimentary self-guided yoga practice. A yoga instructor is available to suggest poses and stretches that are particularly beneficial during travel. “Vancouver Airport Authority is always looking for ways to enhance the passenger experience,” explains Kim Halowski, manager of Sales and Services for Vancouver Airport Authority. “We know that passengers are looking for a variety of wellness options when they travel, and we wanted to add a soothing and tranquil experience. So far we are seeing a positive response from passengers to YYoga@YVR.”
“So far we are seeing a positive response from passengers to YYoga@YVR.” €” Kim Halowski, Vancouver Airport Authority
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also invite passengers to relax and unwind between flights in their dedicated yoga rooms. SFO’s yoga rooms were the first of their kind opening in 2012. FRA opened yoga rooms early this year and offers classes led by professional instructors in two terminals during summer months.
Walking is another way to get a traveler’s blood flowing. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has a 1.4-mile walking path marked throughout Terminal 1. Passengers can join at any time and track their progress around the loop, adding extra concourses if time permits. Baltimore-Washington International Airport Thurgood Marshall (BWI) has both a two-mile indoor walking track and 12.5-mile trail around the airport grounds.
With four years until Japan hosts the 2020 Olympics, Tokyo’s Narita International Airport is prepping passengers with Olympic style indoor running tracks throughout Terminal three. Used for wayfinding and leading passengers on laps of the terminals, these tracks can also guide passengers who are sprinting to the gate because they’re running late!