Pre-Flight Fitness: Are Airport Gyms the Next Big Trend?

For anyone who has spent countless hours stuck in airports — because no one has ever said, "I wish I had more time to kill at the airport" — a new way to make the most of that downtime is marking its first year.

Even better, this alternative doesn’t involve devouring overpriced snacks or mindlessly scrolling through your phone at the gate. Instead, it’s a productive way to spend your time.

ROAM Fitness, a private firm headquartered in health-focused Eugene, Oregon, launched what it describes as the sole post-security fitness center in a U.S. airport at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in January 2017.

While other airports feature gyms, most are connected to airport hotels near or within the main terminals, located before airport security. Some airports also provide stretching or yoga rooms for passengers after clearing security. Additionally, many have designated walking paths across concourses to help travelers squeeze in some cardio between flights.

However, when it comes to a fully-equipped gym with amenities like showers and workout gear rentals — even sneakers — ROAM appears to be the only option in the U.S. (FlyFit Global plans to open the world's first instructor-led fitness and wellness studio behind security at London's Heathrow Airport in 2018.)

ROAM's primary mission is straightforward: to help stressed travelers unwind and improve their health.

"We don't aim to be just a 'gym,'" explains Ty Manegold, a co-founder of ROAM. "We believe travelers shouldn't have to sacrifice their well-being." Manegold initially developed ROAM as a graduate school project at the University of Oregon.

The ROAM facility at BWI isn't a massive gym like Planet Fitness or Gold's Gym. It's compact, covering 1,175 square feet (109 square meters), situated near a moving walkway connecting concourses D and E. The space includes a few cardio machines, free weights, and a small area for stretching. Showers are available but must be reserved, with a strict 15-minute limit per user.

A day pass costs $25, with options for monthly or annual memberships for frequent travelers.

While ROAM doesn't provide all the features of larger gyms, it's ideal for travelers seeking a quick workout before a flight or those arriving from a red-eye who want to freshen up or exercise before their day begins. It's a far better choice than grabbing a candy bar.

Landing at the Airport Isn't Easy

Launching the gym hasn't been simple, which may explain why airport gyms are rare. The financial challenges are significant, primarily due to the high cost of airport real estate, especially in busy terminals. Airports earn revenue from their retail spaces and often make more from restaurants or newsstands than from gyms.

Additionally, airports typically operate as public-private partnerships, adding another layer of complexity.

"Introducing a service like ours, or any service, into an airport is incredibly complex," explains Manegold. "There's a web of politics, bureaucracy, and competing interests from various stakeholders. Transparency is also crucial since airports are public spaces. Progress is often slow."

ROAM initially aimed to expand to 20 airports by 2020, and that goal remains. However, the company has adjusted its expectations, now targeting around four additional airports by the end of 2018. Manegold and his team are currently in discussions with several cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver.

While a fitness center may not bring in as much revenue as other retail options, ROAM emphasizes that its value extends beyond financial gains, benefiting both the gym and the airport.

"Airports also consider factors like passenger satisfaction and their overall reputation," says Cynthia Sandall, a co-founder of ROAM. "They evaluate the services and amenities they offer, whether directly or through concessions like ROAM, to enhance the travel experience, reduce stress, and leave travelers feeling positive about their journey."

The idea is that if travelers view the airport as a pleasant place to spend time, they might arrive earlier. This could lead to increased spending on amenities and services.

Whether a small gym can thrive in an airport environment is still uncertain. However, Manegold and Sandall are pleased with the progress at BWI. Their next goal is to expand to more airports, helping travelers and administrators alike see the benefits of having a gym as part of the airport experience.

"Simply placing a gym or studio in a high-traffic area doesn't guarantee success," says Josh Leve, founder and CEO of the Association of Fitness Studios. "Success depends on tailoring offerings to customer needs. There's potential for growth, but only if the right services are provided in the right markets, appealing to the right demographics and delivering a high-quality experience that encourages repeat visits."