Fitness & Fly: Roam Opens Gym in Philadelphia International Airport
Can airport gyms become the next big trend in the booming wellness tourism sector?
While the fitness industry pushes into tourism and travel wellness experiences, Roam Fitness is taking off in an adjacent category: serving travelers in airports.
Instead of hitting the airport bar, wellness and fitness enthusiasts can now burn off energy, de-stress or simply stick to their fitness routines at Roam Fitness facilities, which offer a gym and showers post-security. The first-of-its-kind fitness and wellness concept is now open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in Terminal F at the Philadelphia International Airport.
Roam Fitness points out that traveling puts a considerable amount of stress on the body, and maintaining a fitness routine is an important part of well-being. It’s the second location for Roam Fitness, which opened a facility at Washington D.C.’s BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport in 2017.
A recent global travel trends report by American Express revealed that 70% of those surveyed prefer to arrive at the airport early to settle in and kick back before departing on a flight, giving Roam Fitness a clear runway to take off with its unique concept.
The airport gym and wellness center features Technogym cardio equipment, free weights and benches, a stretching space with a TRX system, and yoga and plyo props. The latest PHL location boasts a cable system, Mirror, Hydow and infrared sauna.
The all-inclusive approach includes complimentary clothing and shoe rentals for each visit, and travelers can book a 15-minute shower complete with towel service and Malin+Goetz products. For those who prefer to wear their own workout gear, Roam Fitness will vacuum seal the items in a bag.
Travelers can opt for a day pass and more frequent flyers can select a $35/month membership with a full-year commitment. Activewear is also available for purchase from Lululemon, Girlfriend Collective, Rhone and Beyond Yoga, along with healthy snacks and beverages.
Roam Fitness plans to expand to other major airports and encourages fitness enthusiasts to drop a line to airport decision-makers of their interest. The fitness company has set up a page where people can directly contact airport representatives.
Courtney Rehfeldt has worked in the broadcasting media industry since 2007 and has freelanced since 2012. Her work has been featured in Age of Awareness, Times Beacon Record, The New York Times, and she has an upcoming piece in Slate. She studied yoga & meditation under Beryl Bender Birch at The Hard & The Soft Yoga Institute. She enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and is an avid reader. Courtney has a BA in Media & Communications studies.