You have a six-hour layover in Chicago. You don’t have access to the Admiral’s Club or free Wi-Fi so forget binge watching Orphan Black. What do you do?
You workout.
You have a healthy lunch with a garden view.
You get your Zen on with some yoga and a massage.
It’s true! You can do all of these things (and more) if you happen to have an extended stay at O’Hare.
I had long layovers on both legs of my recent trip to IDEA World Fitness in Anaheim. Instead of sitting around, I took the chance to explore and find the best go-to options for fit women (and men) passing through one of the busiest airports in the world.
Get Your Workout
- The easiest workout is a walking tour of the airport. You can transverse the many terminals to get your 10K steps. Stop and browse Barbara’s Bookstore or get a souvenir at the Field Museum store while you’re at it.
- On my way to Anaheim, I used my break to do some strength training and cardio on the elliptical. The O’Hare Hilton Health Club is located between terminal 2 and the parking garage. It’s $20 for a day pass which gives you full access to a huge selection of free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment, sauna, pool and showers. That’s $30 cheaper than the Admirals Club and much better for you than endless glasses of wine with Chex Mix on the side.
- My first leg of my flight home was 4 hours, most of which I spent reviewing BlogFest notes and writing. My shoulders and back needed a good stretch on my way home. The Yoga Room in the Terminal 3 rotunda is the perfect place to work out the kinks after a long flight. In case you don’t have your own flow, you can follow along with the video playing.
Grab a Healthy Meal
- My favorite place for healthy bite at O’Hare is Argo Tea. There are several in the airport but I prefer the one near security if you’re going to terminals H and K. They are great about giving you a sample of tea if your not sure what blend to try. Their products have calories, carbs and other nutritional information (an essential for diabetics like me) on the package. The quinoa salad made with chai is divine!
- Next to my favorite place in Terminal 3 is CIBO Express. You can get grab and go healthy food options like tofu and veggies, Greek Yogurt and ready to drink protein shakes. Make sure to think about how long you will be on your flight too. The food you can get here (and carry on) will be much better than what you can buy on the plane.
- Starbucks is in every terminal! It’s a good option to get their perfect oatmeal or breakfast sandwiches. Try the egg white and feta sandwich with some Awake English breakfast tea if you’re still trying to wake up after an early flight.
- You can find hidden healthy meals in unexpected places. On the way to Anaheim I desperately needed a hearty breakfast to get me through my planned workout. At Stanley’s Blackhawk Bar I found a veggie omelet with whole wheat toast that did the trick. One the way home I had a lot more sitting time and didn’t want anything super heavy. Manchu Wok has spicy tofu with mixed vegetables. You can do a double serving of veggies when you order the three item plate.
Where to Relax
- I already mentioned the yoga room but I did mention the garden outside it? On the mezzanine in the Terminal 3 Rotunda you will find an indoor garden and comfy chairs. It makes the perfect place to enjoy your lunch or catch a quick nap.
- You can get a massage at the XpressSpa, a staple of many airports. The Stress & Tension Eliminator focuses just on the facial and head muscles, perfect if you have sinus issues that have been aggravated by flying.
- Sometimes nothing but a little chocolate will do when you’re having a bad day. Don’t waste your calories on a Hershey bar for the newsstand. Try Matcha Green Tea & Spirulina Super Dark Chocolate Bar from Vosges Chocolates in Terminal 1 or 3. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and the green tea will help bring you to a more calm state.
Don’t think of the airport as a “necessary evil”. Turn your next layover into a fun part of the travel experience if you’re stopping in O’Hare. Remember you have to enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
