Active Airports: 5 US Hubs With Onsite Fitness Facilities

Some US airports offer exceptional workout facilities within their terminals for health-conscious travelers or frequent flyers looking to stay fit. Here’s a look at five US airport hubs with onsite fitness options that allow travelers to burn calories, stretch, or relax while waiting for their next flight. Each of these airports provides unique opportunities to keep fit so you can leave feeling refreshed and energized.

1 San Francisco International Airport

Multiple yoga rooms and a dedicated fitness studio

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is well-known for its wellness amenities, which include multiple yoga rooms and a dedicated fitness studio. According to Orbitz, SFO was the first airport to introduce a yoga room in 2012, pioneering wellness spaces within the travel industry.

Today, it offers two yoga rooms located in Terminals 2 and 3, allowing travelers a quiet place to stretch, meditate, or simply unwind in a serene environment.

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In addition to the yoga rooms, SFO also houses a state-of-the-art fitness studio operated by ROAM Fitness, equipped with treadmills, bikes, and other gym equipment. Travelers can access showers and rental workout gear, making breaking a sweat before or after a long flight easy.

These facilities underscore SFO’s commitment to holistic health and wellness for its passengers. As Vacayou mentions, SFO continues to set a high standard for airport wellness with its expansive offerings.

In-Flight Exercise for a healthy flight!

2 Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Premium fitness experience through its Hilton Athletic Club

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Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) offers a premium fitness experience through its Hilton Athletic Club. Located in the Hilton Hotel, connected to the airport, this facility allows travelers to work out without leaving the grounds. According to The Points Guy, the Hilton Athletic Club at O’Hare is fully equipped with cardio machines, free weights, a lap pool, and even a sauna.

This makes O’Hare ideal for those on layovers or with delays who wish to use their time efficiently. The fitness centre’s accessibility to travellers staying at the Hilton or simply passing through the terminal makes it convenient for a workout.

Business Travel Life also highlights the club’s appeal for business travelers who prioritize fitness, noting that it provides a well-rounded exercise experience in a comfortable setting. With 24-hour access for hotel guests and flexible options for day passes, ORD’s Hilton Athletic Club is a standout choice among airport fitness facilities.

International airports with fitness facilities:

3 Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

A designated yoga studio in Terminal D

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Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offers multiple ways to keep fit, whether you prefer a structured workout or simply getting on your steps. According to SeatMaestro, DFW features a designated yoga studio in Terminal D, complete with mats and instructional videos, allowing travelers to engage in a full yoga session during their wait. This space is particularly valued by passengers who want a quiet, calming environment amidst the bustling airport.

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Airport Gyms: Do Lounges Really Need Fitness Facilities?

Airport lounges are wonderful facilities, with the best ones packed with more amenities than any passenger could possibly have time to take advantage of. Away from the obvious features of places to eat, drink, relax, work, and enjoy spa treatments, a recent trend has seen airlines begin installing fitness facilities such as gyms in their airport lounges.As Simple Flying explored in an article last year, lounges with such facilities included the Ambassador Transit Lounge in Singapore and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow. The latter was famous for its peloton bikes that overlooked the apron of the UK’s busiest airport, although recent chatter on online forums suggests that these may have now been removed.However, if they have gone, is this such a bad thing? As a lover of sport I enjoy a good workout as much as the next person, but, in my opinion, an airport is not the place to do so. At its best, air travel is, by and large, a relaxing pastime, so I would rather see t

DFW also provides a unique walking path that loops through Terminal D. Marked with signage indicating the distance covered, this path encourages travellers to walk instead of sitting during layovers.

As FinanceBuzz notes, the walking path is part of DFW’s commitment to offering healthier options for passengers. This pathway, combined with the yoga studio, makes DFW a versatile choice for travelers looking to stay active in different ways, catering to both those seeking relaxation and those wanting to maintain their step count.

4 Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

ROAM Fitness gym is located in Concourse D

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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has taken airport fitness to the next level with its ROAM Fitness gym, located in Concourse D.

According to Holiday Extras, ROAM Fitness offers a full-service gym experience, equipped with cardio machines, strength training equipment, showers, and rental athletic gear. The facility even provides complimentary towels, toiletries, and luggage storage for travelers who want to work out without hassle.

Engaging in light exercise before a flight offers several benefits:

• Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow, reducing the risk of swelling and discomfort during the flight.
• Reduced Muscle Stiffness: Prepares muscles and joints, minimizing stiffness from prolonged sitting.
• Stress Reduction: Releases endorphins, promoting relaxation and reducing pre-flight anxiety.
• Enhanced Sleep Quality: Light exercise can help regulate sleep patterns, aiding in better rest during the flight.
• Boosted Immune Function: Regular physical activity supports the immune system, helping to fend off potential illnesses.

5 Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

Indoor walking paths promote fitness

Photo: Jacob Boomsma | Shutterstock

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) promotes fitness through indoor walking paths and an onsite health club at the InterContinental Hotel, which is connected to the terminal.

According to Business Travel Life, MSP’s walking paths are popular among travelers, featuring routes marked with distances to encourage physical activity. Travelers can walk laps within the terminal, a convenient option for staying active without needing specialized equipment. The airport sits at both ends of the spectrum, also doubling as a gamers paradise.

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In addition to the walking paths, MSP offers access to a full-service health club at the InterContinental Hotel. This facility includes strength training and cardio equipment, making it an ideal option for travelers who want a more intensive workout.

Hotels Escape highlights the convenience and accessibility of MSP’s fitness offerings, particularly for travelers who have extra time before their flight and want to engage in various activities. For those staying at the InterContinental, the health club access adds another layer of convenience, enhancing MSP’s reputation as a health-conscious airport.