For business travelers, airports often become unavoidable spots where long layovers and delayed flights can lead to extended periods of inactivity. However, being on the go shouldn’t mean sacrificing your fitness goals or well-being. With a little creativity and planning, you can conquer the sky and defy inactivity with airport fitness hacks that will keep you energized and active throughout your travels. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies and exercises to help you find a balance and make the most of your time at the airport. And we’ll try to do it without turning you into “that” person!
Power Walking and Terminal Exploration:
Instead of sitting idle at the gate, seize the opportunity to explore the airport terminal through power walking. Use the long hallways as your track and make brisk walking a part of your airport routine. Not only will it help you stay active, but it’s also an excellent way to get some steps in and increase your energy levels before your flight. Add the weight of a carry on to this regime, and you’re now getting in a rucking workout. Power walking or rucking can warm you up, but likely won’t make you break out in an uncontrollable sweat (I’m a sweaty person, so I can make this claim). This makes this activity a good way to combat the hours of seated time. It also gives you the opportunity to scout out the healthy restaurant scene, which ties in to some of our hacks on finding the right airport food in the article Fuel Your Travels with Nutritional Power: Your Guide to Finding Healthy Eats On the Go.
Stretching and Mobility Exercises:
Combat the stiffness caused by sitting for long periods by incorporating stretching and mobility exercises into your airport routine. Simple movements like neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, wrist rotations, and leg stretches can help alleviate tension and promote blood circulation. Find a quiet corner or an empty gate area to perform these exercises and keep your body limber and ready for action. This is one of those hacks that can make some of us self-conscious. Re-read this section. Nowhere do you see us telling you to bust out that yoga mat in the main terminal! Simple stretching can be inconspicuous, and even more so when you find that isolated corner on one of your long power walks!
Bodyweight Exercises and Resistance Bands:
Utilize your own bodyweight and portable resistance bands to engage in a quick and effective workout right at the airport. Exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, planks, and resistance band exercises can be done in a small space and require minimal equipment. Incorporating these exercises into your routine will not only help you maintain strength but also boost your energy levels and keep you refreshed throughout your journey. This is a great hack, but I believe it is for certain personalities. This teeters on the line of “that” person, and also on the line of too sweaty or just a bit. We definitely don’t suggest getting on the next flight soaking wet and bringing on that BO for your flight neighbor! But some of these moves, mixed with light stretching can keep it from getting too intense, but still enough to boost your energy levels!
Stair Climbing:
Many airports have staircases that can serve as a fantastic fitness tool. Instead of taking escalators or elevators, opt for the stairs and challenge yourself to climb a few flights. Stair climbing is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that engages multiple muscle groups and helps improve endurance. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories while waiting for your next flight, especially if hauling around a decent weighted backpack. You’ll likely be the only one taking the stairs in an airport, so you won’t have too many people eyeing you up. Those few people that do show up are likely in a big hurry and skipping the escalator jam, or they have the same mindset as you about their fitness! Heck, they may even be a fellow Hotel Athlete! Once we start getting that swag out there to you, our community, you’ll be able to find groups of like-minded people for a full workout in any given airport!
Mindful Movement and Meditation:
In addition to physical exercise, don’t forget to prioritize your mental well-being. Take a moment to practice mindful movement or meditation at the airport. Find a quiet corner, close your eyes, and focus on deep breathing and relaxation. This will not only help reduce stress and anxiety but also provide a sense of rejuvenation during your travels. Focus a lot on your posture when doing the breathing exercises. Fight the “slump” that lots of sitting likes to spur on. You can pop your headphones in with a relaxation track, close your eyes, sit up straight, and no one could tell that you are actually meditating as opposed to jamming to some music. A mindful focus on posture and how your body is feeling can give you your next clues as to what you need to do in order to keep yourself feeling on point for your travels!
Airport Gyms
This is not our favorite option, as it is not quick or free, but worth mentioning for those of you that want to give it a whirl. There are select airports that have introduced gyms for use by travelers for a hefty fee. The excellent part is that they have full-on workout equipment and provide you with rental clothes/shoes and a shower. This way, if you have that long layover, and need to get in your pump for the day, it is a viable option that doesn’t put you at risk of being “that” person or the stinky seat neighbor!
With a proactive approach and a little creativity, you can conquer the sky and defy inactivity during your travels, along with being discrete about your activity. By incorporating airport fitness hacks into your routine, such as power walking, stretching, bodyweight exercises, stair climbing, and mindfulness, you’ll find the perfect balance between business commitments and your well-being. So, the next time you find yourself at the airport, embrace the opportunity to energize your travels and stay active, ensuring a healthier and more productive journey overall.
Remember, even small bursts of activity can make a significant difference in maintaining your fitness goals and promoting overall well-being. So, let’s conquer the sky together and make airport downtime an opportunity for energized and balanced travels!
Safe travels and stay active!
Note: It’s important to be mindful of airport regulations and be respectful of other travelers while performing exercises at the airport.
