With the popularity of yoga skyrocketing across the country, it is only fitting that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is now among only six known U.S. airports that have a yoga studio for travelers. The airport’s private yoga studio is in Terminal A inside security near Gate A3. 

Mario Diaz, Houston Airports Aviation Director, was pleased that IAH now offers this amenity and talked about the benefits of the dedicated, customized space.

“We fully recognize air travel can be stressful at times,” Diaz said. “We wanted to create a space where passengers can take a few minutes to stretch out, breathe and regroup before getting on their flight.”

“This will enhance the passengers’ experience in ways few airports have done. We are proud of that.”

Long flights, long layovers, the constant adrenaline rush of getting to your flight on time – these and other factors can take their toll on a person. Ella Ghica, Customer Service Manager at IAH, said that yoga is a destressor that can provide some relief.

The space is equipped with yoga mats, a floor buttressed with foam padding for extra comfort, privacy screens, disinfectant wipes, and a television programmed to the Weather Channel to keep travelers attuned to the weather in any given area.

Ghica also mentioned that a Little Library is located directly across from the yoga studio. Adults traveling with kids are afforded the opportunity to let their kids visit the Little Library and peruse a book while the parents or guardians take a “yoga break.”

Yoga practitioners, called yogis, attest to its ability to relieve physical and mental stress. Female practitioners are also called yogis as well as yoginis.

At present, Ghica said, the approximately 1,000-square-foot area is simply a dedicated space for travelers who wish to practice yoga.

“At the present time, there are no yoga classes. We are simply providing an area for those who wish to practice yoga on their own,” Ghica said.

“It was borne from the fact that numerous times I have seen passengers doing yoga inside the terminals, inside a gate holding area.”

Ghica had a conversation with Kelly Woodward, then Interim General Manager at IAH, and they began working toward the goal of creating a yoga studio. (Woodward now serves as leader of the IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP) and IAH Terminal A Domestic Redevelopment Program Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) Team.)

“Thus,” Ghica continued, “we decided to provide them with a yoga studio.”

“In years to come, we might expand what we offer, but for now, this is what we can provide.”

In addition to the support of HAS senior management, Ghica commended the efforts of several individuals and groups who helped make the studio become a reality.

She expressed appreciation for the support of the teams from IAH Maintenance, Operations, and Infrastructure, along with instrumental efforts from Paul Spada (Human Capital Management), Dawn Hoffman (Interim Program Manager - Skytrax Liaison) and Liliana Rambo Chief Terminal Management Director.

“I’m grateful for everyone’s support,” Ghica said.

Yoga rooms are becoming more popular at airports across the U.S. and around the world, offering travelers another healthy amenity.

In the United States, there are more than 36 million yoga practitioners. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that includes meditation, breath control and body postures that both stretches and strengthens muscles.

The many benefits of yoga, according to regular practitioners and various professional associations, include enhanced flexibility, muscle strength, improved respiration and circulatory health as well as improved energy and vitality.

Practicing yoga can directly combat the effects of prolonged sitting in airplane seats, which can decrease circulation and tightens leg, hip and back muscles.

“IAH has now given travelers the options of a dedicated place where they can stretch, meditate, or just take a few moments of quiet time,” Ghica said.

“We are delighted to be able to offer the yoga studio to our passengers at IAH, offering a place for a nice break during a long layover. Everyone, please come and enjoy it for a few moments.”