dispatches from the new world of work

AirX. (Airport Exercise.)

Sometimes, all too often, my schedule makes it difficult to get in my 5-mile-daily-minimum exercise (power walking). Why it occurred to me at this late date I don't know. Since many of us, post 9/11, get to the airport early, there is a matchless opportunity to log an easy mile or so of decent, borderline aerobic exercise.

Many of you have been to the Atlanta airport, I suspect. You ride an underground tram to your gate. You can, in Atlanta and several other airports, walk if you wish. Yesterday I left from the B concourse, but I walked from security out to the end, the E concourse I think, and then back to B. As I casually measured it, I logged about 1.25 miles ... at a very brisk pace further enhanced by carrying a heavy backpack and pulling a roller bag. Even in smaller airports (e.g., Nashville, recently) I've discovered that if you "do" every concourse from end to end, and maybe but no more than twice, it's pretty easy to log a mile while receiving only a few odd glances. You get in some pretty effective exercise, relax pretty effectively from a perhaps stressful day ... and the only price I've found is being a little sweaty for a few minutes when you're done.

(To state the obvious, on longer flights I am a big, big advocate of the in-seat stretches! Most airline mags offer rather complete suggestions—and hats off to British Airways for the best "program," in my opinion.)

Tom Peters posted this on 02/10/06.

Comments

Atlanta is a huge volume airport also "Worlds busiest" http://www.atlanta-airport.com/default.asp?url=http://www.atlanta-airport.com/sublevels/airport_info/histpage.htm

Posted by Sean at February 10, 2006 11:48 AM

Another tip from a fellow traveler:

Never take the escalator or elevator in airports or hotels. Always take the stairs as the climb is rarely over four flights of stairs. I do this all the time carrying my bag.

Posted by John Cox at February 10, 2006 12:05 PM

Reluctantly, John, I'll do your bidding. I carry a Monster of a Bag ... two computers, etc, etc. But, starting next trip, I'll stuff the excuses for not stair-ing it. Damn!

Posted by tom peters at February 10, 2006 1:12 PM

Yes, I agree. I'm amazed at how many easy ways it is to "exercise" while we are on the road - if we just think to "walk" rather than ride. Taking this idea to its ridiculous extreme, I was once stuck in the Atlanta airport back in 1995 and our planes were grounded due to a thunder storm. At the time I was training for the New York Marathon and was bummed that I was stuck inside when I should be home....outside and running. So, I slipped into the Men's bathroom and quickly changed into my running clothes and then stuffed my other clothes in a locker. I started running the concourses, A, B, C, D...back and forth. Meanwhile, keeping an eye on the monitors for the status of my flight. Before my flight was ready I had run 15 miles inside the airport. I might add that I got more than a few, uh, strange looks.

Posted by Doug Fletcher at February 11, 2006 10:02 AM

When I do long flights in jumbo jets I take several occasions to slowly walk the length of the plane twice. I also spend time stretching in the back of the plane. At airport gate areas (there are always empty ones with lots of floor space) I gently do full Yoga stretches. Flyingâ€”with its accompanying stressâ€”tends to tighten up as well as dry out our bodies so stretching and drinking lots of water are critical. I believe that frequent flying has unhealthy side effects due to a multitude of factors (underestimated and under-reported) so I compensate with a pretty thorough regiment. I also take the train as a substitute whenever feasibleâ€”even between, say, Boston & Philadelphia, where I can read and work on my computer for the 4.5 hour trip and be clear-headed and relaxed when I arrive.

Posted by John O'Leary at February 11, 2006 10:31 AM

As a fellow fitness enthusiast I have to say 5 miles every day Tom is pretty impressive!

Reminds me of a great one liner from Peter Kaye - a brilliant English comic you may not know. Kaye said

"It's important to keep fit as you get older; my granny started walking 5 kilometres a day when she was 60. Today she's 97 and we don't know where the hell she is!" :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at February 11, 2006 10:53 AM

Well, I remember (and admire) the famous quote by Abraham Lincoln that goes like this...." I walk slowly, but I never walk backward" So true, isn't it?

Posted by K.Sriram at February 13, 2006 5:02 AM

I too have walked many airports. If you're early or your flight is late I suggest using a locker. You will want to exercise more, you will go farther and the cost is much less than many hotels charge for using their fitness centers.

Posted by Bret Rigby at February 13, 2006 11:49 AM

Opportunities for indoor exercise are ideal for more than just travellers. I live in a northern climate and a disability keeps me from walking in the cold and snow. I find opportunities in big box retail stores. Whenever I go to Target or Home Depot I make a point of taking three or four extra laps of the store before checking out.

Airports are good for walking but if you move at a slower pace you can easily get run over by stressed out late comers.

Posted by Peter Davidson at February 15, 2006 3:23 PM

Tom, you hit it on the head. If you want to exercise you will find or rather make the time.I'll nevre forget being in Wilmington and telling an audience that I had run my 6 miles through the city. Biggest comment was "We hope you ran fast" you always perform better when you are healthy.

Posted by John A Delves at February 17, 2006 10:30 AM

Tom, I have just found your blog. It was great to sit here and go through all the entries.
While at CT (100 years ago also) I was honored to be trained by you to do Excellence and Chaos. I still have my signed T shirt and hat, still exercise regularly and continue to travel too much. ATL is my home so normaly I am walking very rapidly to get home after another trip.

Posted by John A Delves at February 17, 2006 10:34 AM