When you're facing a layover at an airport, it's easy to settle into a comfy chair, boot up the laptop or open a book, and get lost for an hour or so to kill time. However, airports are getting transit travellers active and even into yoga poses to help tap into the need to keep fit, happy and in good spirits. Here's a rundown:
Chicago O’Hare Airport
In Terminal 3 on the Mezzanine Level, Airside, between 6am and 10pm, you can access a free yoga studio, packed with bamboo flooring, yoga mats and even an in-studio TV which plays yoga practices. To keep you in tune with airport departures, there's a flight information monitor to keep you abreast of what's happening airside.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Above the departures check-in desks on the terminal's east wing, there is a centre with treadmills, elliptical trainers, bicycles and weight machines. Travellers will have to fork out $18 for full access to the gym, pool and showers. The Health Club is free to guests staying overnight or in one of the Fairmont's day rooms.
Dallas-Fort Worth Airport
For those looking a quick yoga session can do worse than drop into the yoga studio at D40 between Terminals B and D. The space, covered with yoga mats, has great views of the runway and its open 24-hours a day.
Singapore's Changi Airport
The best airport in the world offers three cutting-edge fitness centres, so there's no excuse not to get energetic while you wait for your next flight. Free weights, exercise bikes and other equipment are available for $11, while those looking to de-stress can benefit from a massage which can cost anything between $20 and $60.
Helsinki Airport
Located at its Kainuu Lounge, there is a yoga area with mats available.
Munich Airport
Admittedly located at the airport's Kempinski Hotel, its Fit and Fly Spa offers a 17m long pool area, a gym with personal trainers and equipment available, and a spa. Costs range from $40 for a day pass at the spa to $26 for a two-hour session. The spa has massage therapists on hand, while it also has a Jacuzzi and a Finnish sauna.
Frankfurt Airport
Two yoga rooms centred near C14 in Terminal 1 and near D1 in Terminal 2. Travellers will be spoilt for choice with mats, cushions, pads and mirrors - and all free. Both feature yoga practices for visitors.
London Heathrow Airport
Travellers will have to buy a day pass as the yoga room is located within the SkyTeam Lounge in Terminal 4. It is worth the visit as you can combine it with the lounge's wellness centre, complimentary food and a wine bar.
Dubai International Airport
The aptly named G-Force Health Club will put you through your paces. Find it on Concourse B (Terminal 3) at the fifth level, above the Emirates first and business class lounges. The gym is available for $13 an hour, with showers, men's and women's steam rooms, saunas and Swedish and shiatsu massages available.
Zurich Airport
Located just a short walk from the airport is the Radisson Blu, which offers the Airport Fitness and Wellness Club. Equipped across 2,000 sqm, there are gym equipment, group classes, personal trainers and Turkish baths. Access is about $43 for a two-hour access.
Toronto Pearson International Airport
Travellers will be blown away by the airport gym as it is part of the Canadian fitness chain, GoodLife Fitness. The space includes a state of the art gym open from 4am-11:30pm and costing just $15 for a day pass.
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Andy Probert left the British rat race after a 25 year journalist and PR specialist to live in Turkey and now Cyprus, a compulsive traveller his favourite places include Vietnam and India among many. Among the travel Andy continues to write freelance and still maintains a PR client base.
