Layover Love: Keeping Fit on the Fly

Flight delayed? Long layover? Instead of waiting at the gate, you can pump iron, swim laps, or downward dog on a yoga mat without leaving the airport.

Worldwide, airports are helping travelers integrate fitness and well-being into their schedules. With on-site gyms, luggage storage, and workout clothing rentals, there’s no excuse for not exercising.

Yoga studios reduce the stress of air travel in San Francisco, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Burlington, Vermont. Fliers can compete in table tennis between connections at the Milwaukee airport, or mentally prep for the crying baby on board in the San Diego airport’s new meditation room, designed to echo the tranquillity of the ocean.

Some airports are flexing their muscles even more. Ice-skate indoors at Seoul’s airport, or bike and in-line skate in the Zürich airport. Practice butterfly strokes in Dubai’s or Munich’s indoor pools, or unwind in the rooftop pool and hot tub at Singapore’s airport. JFK’s Terminal 5 also recently unveiled a rooftop park, 4,046 square feet of green space that includes a dog area and children’s playground—all with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

Bonus: AirportGyms.com is a free database listing gyms and fitness centers in and near airports in the U.S. and Canada, with hours, prices, and descriptions.

This piece, written by Katrina Woznicki, appeared in the November 2015 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. Follow Katrina on Twitter @KatrinaWoz.