Yoga on the Fly: 5 Yoga-Friendly Airports
Are you a flying yogi? Then these five airports are for you!
There is no denying that air travel can be a stressful endeavor. So, finding an activity to help mitigate stress during any flight delays and long layovers can be a great use of time. Enter: yoga. Not only does yoga require minimal equipment, but it also offers both physical and mental health benefits. With the rise of yoga’s popularity, it’s no surprise that airports around the world are becoming more accommodating to traveling yogis. Here are five yoga-friendly airports across the globe that give you space to practice your downward dog or tree pose while you wait. Namaste.
San Francisco International Airport, CA
The San Francisco International Airport opened its first yoga room back in 2012, designed with a nod to Japanese zen gardens, and it has added a second since then. The two yoga rooms, located in Terminals 2 and 3, are open 24 hours, free of charge, and are equipped with yoga mats, so you don’t even need to bring your own. Keep in mind that these yoga rooms are both in domestic terminals, so if you are traveling internationally, you won’t be able to access them. Pro tip: Keep a travel towel and your toiletry kit accessible, so you can wipe yourself off and freshen up afterward.
Location: Terminal 2, Boarding Area D; Terminal 3, Boarding Area E, near Gate 69,
London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom
What started as a pilot program in 2014 gave way to a permanent yoga studio in London’s Heathrow Airport. Unlike the rest of the studios on this list, though, you’ll have to buy a pass to access the SkyTeam lounge in order to use the yoga facility. But, once you’re in, that pass will also give you access to other amenities, such as a wine bar and free food—so if you have a long layover, the price of admission may be worth it.
Location: SkyTeam lounge in Terminal 4, near Gate 10
Burlington International Airport, VT
In addition to its other relaxing areas, complete with rocking chairs and comfy couches, this luxurious New England airport offers a yoga space for its patrons, sponsored by the local studio Evolution. The room is free to use, and there are shower facilities nearby if needed, so you don't have to board your plane sweaty or stinky. Pack a change of clothes in a carry-on tote.
Location: Second floor
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, IL
One of the busiest airports in the world, Chicago's O’Hare International Airport, offers a peaceful spacefor travelers to practice yoga and meditate. You'll find it on the mezzanine level of Terminal 3. The space includes yoga mats, relaxing audio, and a video monitor that displays yoga poses and nature imagery. There's also an additional video monitor that displays flight arrival and departure information, so you don't have to leave the room to get a status update. Frosted glass windows on one side of the room allow natural light to come in (while still providing privacy), so you might even forget that you're stuck inside a busy airport. The room is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: Terminal 3, Mezzanine level, near the Urban Garden
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, TX
If you find yourself near DFW’s D40 terminal and are in need of some stretching and stress relief, you’re in luck. This airport features a full yoga studio that contains yoga mats, a privacy screen, and large windows with a killer view of the runway. The studio is free of charge, and open for use 24 hours a day.
Location: Terminal D40
Now that you know about these great places to practice your flow on the go, check them out and sneak in some exercise before your flights. Whether you’re new to the practice or an experienced yogi, a bit of stretching, strengthening, and posing can do your mind and body a lot of good before you settle into a cramped airplane seat.
How else do you pass the time while waiting in airports? Share your two cents in the comments below.
Related Links (from Eagle Creek blog)
5 Amazing Destinations for Yogis
