So, when I started researching this post, I was really excited. Yoga At The Airport. Yes! I love yoga and I love traveling so it seemed like this was going to be the coolest thing ever. However, once I got a taste of what was out there, I was less than thrilled.
In my mind, I had a calm, serene yoga class tucked away from the airport hustle and bustle. An oasis in a sea of noise and activity. What I got was a collection of half assed yoga areas with cheap mats in the middle of the airport.
First of all, I totally applaud the airports that are making the attempt to add yoga spaces. I love the trend towards making airports a little more layover and health-friendly. I have written about ROAM Fitness, a company bringing full service gyms to airports around the country. Their first, and as of now, only, location is in BWI (Baltimore) with more in the works.
Link: ROAM Fitness at BWI Airport
However, once I started seeing the yoga “studios” that were available, it just didn’t seem like a great idea.
Yoga Airport Locations
Right now, yoga spaces are available at select U.S Airports:
- Chicago Midway, IL – Located in Concourse C
- Chicago O’Hare, IL – 6am-10pm, Located Mezzanine Level of the Terminal 3 Rotunda
- Dallas/Fort Worth International, TX -2 Locations, Terminal B (D40/B1) and E (E31), Open 24 Hours
- San Fancisco International, CA – 2 Locations Open 24 Hours. Terminal 2 Near Boarding Area D and Terminal 3 Near Boarding Area E Gate 69
- Burlington International, VT – Second Floor of Airport
- Miami International, FL: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Located pre-security, Terminal H, 1st floor
Mats are provided at all the locations and some even provide meditation cushions. Some locations offer video instruction, but none offer any type of guided class (I get it- that would be pretty hard to coordinate).
If you are looking for a yoga class in the airport, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a quiet space (sort of) to get away and do some breathing and stretching, you will be happy if you find yourself in one of these airports.
Maybe I am just a high maintenance yogi. It takes a lot for me to focus when I am practicing. I can’t just tune out outside noise and distractions. As much as I love this concept I just don’t see myself getting zen behind a frosted glass door in the middle of a busy airport.
Have you visited any of these airport yoga locations? What did you think – am I off the mark or do yoga studios and airports just not mesh?
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I didn’t realise there were so many airports with yoga spaces! I just get weird stares from people for stretching before a long flight…
I had no idea either until I started researching this post! I would love to check one out sometime. I think these spaces would be great for some pre-flight stretching – I just don’t see myself busting out a full yoga practice in one of these (but like I said I am probably a high maintenance yogi so it might be great for someone else)