USA. Airports need to pay more attention to the links between physical exercise, mental health and traveller happiness, according to airport gym operator Roam Fitness.
As reported, the company is set to open gym and shower facilities at Philadelphia International later this year.
The new 1,500sq ft facility will feature state-of-the-art cardio equipment, free weights, an infrared sauna, private shower rooms with towel service, stretching space and Malin+Goetz products. It will also host on-demand fitness classes with yoga mats and props available.
The company has operated a similar space at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport since 2017.
Roam Fitness Co-founder Cynthia Sandall said the company aims to offer travellers the opportunity to make use of their airport downtime to maintain their health and wellness.
Day passes and annual memberships are available to access the Roam Fitness facilities which are located post security.
“Roam’s vision is to elevate the travel experience with a network of Roam airport locations across the country and key international airports. We are in the midst of negotiating our third location with a West Coast airport,” Sandall said.
“Beyond that, we are targeting large hub airports in the USA. When we look at international expansion, there are some advantages to starting with the airports where US Customs and Border Protection have a pre-clearance presence, notably Toronto and Dublin.”
“Providing an environment where people can care for their bodies in an atmosphere designed for movement and fun transforms travel days,” Sandall commented.
“It allows passengers and flight crews to burn off energy, stretch their legs, and take some much needed me-time to mentally reset themselves in the often-chaotic airport environment.”
Sandall cited studies that prove exercise and movement have mental health benefits and underlined Roam Fitness’s efforts – as detailed on the company’s website – to have travellers encouraging more airports to add gym facilities.
“Roam is always on the lookout for the next airport location but it can be a challenge to convince airport decision makers that there is a demand for a service like ours that’s never been provided as an option before.
“It helps Roam out, more than one might think, when passengers contact their favourite airport’s concessions department and leadership team to let them know they’d like to have access to a Roam location at their airport.” 
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