I have been making frequent work trips to Los Angeles this year. On the way home on a recent trip, I found myself with a long layover at the airport. I wanted to share my experience and make readers aware of some workout options near LAX airport.
This isn’t the first time I decided to leave LAX to get a work out in, and some fresh air. This time, it was unplanned. I finished work up early, and tried to get out on an earlier flight, rather than my scheduled afternoon departure. Still sticking to flying American/US Airways while in the Preferred Trial, so I only have low status, but the fact that this was on the last Friday before Christmas meant this was one of the busiest travel days of the year, so ultimately, I was pretty far from clearing standby for earlier flights. Knowing my chances were slim, but I figured it was worth the shot to get home 5 or so hours earlier.
I did some emails and other work, but knowing I was heading back to Wisconsin for a few weeks, I wanted one last chance to run outside in somewhat warm weather. I didn’t really have a good option for storing my bags. There is a commercial service, but if is off airport, and not really what I needed. I didn’t have any lounge access I could use to possibly store bags there like I did on my past experience. I could have bought a day pass for a lounge, or a refundable ticket. Instead, I opted to leave and go to a gym.
A gym near LAX
Some searching online showed the gym at the Radisson (now The Concourse Hotel, soon to be a Hyatt) as selling day passes. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be current. Since the point of my journey was a workout I just walked from LAX terminal 4 to the Concourse, which was maybe 10 minutes away. Once there, I asked someone working at the concierge desk about using the gym, and she immediately dismissed me, citing liability concerns. Not shocking, but the rudeness was unfortunate. After a few stays at the hotel (and more booked in the future), it was the first employee I encountered there that wasn’t very polite. The next option was a 24 Hour Fitness further down Century Boulevard, just past the Crowne Plaza. They welcomed me and offered a day pass for $15. Sold.
I only used the gym a little bit, and mostly for the water fountains and stretching after my run but it was nice to have a place to change, a locker that fit my carry-ons, and a place to shower. To make gym sessions like this more productive can be included in the diet plan.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have a towel, and the only towels were for sale, so I didn’t bother.
The area around LAX is one of my favorite places to run. Watching the diverse array of planes landing makes the aviation geek in me happy. I ran from the office building that houses the gym. Then crossed Sepulveda at a pedestrian overpass, and ran towards the noted In-N-Out Burger. Finally towards Westchester Parkway where I turned around.
My running route around LAX
Final thoughts
It was a nice run, and I was happy to get a workout in. I walked back to Terminal 4, and was very glad to have PreCheck, and avoid the zoo at the security checkpoint.
Have you had any extended layovers at LAX or elsewhere? What did you to pass the time? Any other near-airport gym suggestions?
Happy Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice or whatever you celebrate if you celebrate this time of year. In any case, I hope it is spent with loved ones. I’m staying in Wisconsin visiting extended family, and especially enjoying being with my daughter during her first festive season.
