Sydney International Airport gym: Barber, Anytime Fitness opens in Australian airport, nail bar to follow

A new offering has popped up in an Australian airport, with people saying they ‘love’ the long-overdue introduction, while others say it must come with a ‘mandatory’ condition to prevent a stinky situation.

A gym has opened inside Sydney International Airport.

It isn’t the first in the world - Munich, Dubai, Baltimore/ Washington International and Singapore Changi Airport already have a gym offering - but it is the first of its kind in Australia.

Anytime Fitness Sydney Airport is now officially open in T1 International, with those wanting to access weights, cardio and other exercise facilities now able to access them at the airport.

“Yes!! It’s about time airports started putting gyms in airports,” wrote one excited fitness fanatic after learning of the launch.

Fitness influencer Chloe Rose checked out the new Sydney digs and said she wanted to see the concept rolled out worldwide.

“I love this concept and would love to see more of this in airports across the globe!”

However, some have said the introduction of gyms at airports, before people are seated on a plane in close proximity of others, needs to come with a “mandatory” shower condition.

“AMAZINGGGG!!! Must be mandatory to have a shower after haha!!!!” one person wrote on TikTok.

The gym group says it’s there for people who make fitness happen, regardless of how much time they have.

“Whether you’ve got 20 minutes between flights or you’re locking in a full session before work, we’ve got you covered,” Anytime Fitness wrote on social media.

The gym opening follows the recent addition of a barber, with Barber’s Lounge now open in T1 International arrivals, allowing travellers to step into Sydney with a fresh fade, and the promise of a nail bar, ProfessioNail, to be added in Q3.

Omar Choukchouk, Owner of Barber’s Lounge, said: “Arriving after a long flight often means heading straight into meetings, events or home life.

“Barber’s Lounge at Sydney Airport gives travellers the opportunity to refresh and feel their best as soon as they land. We’re proud to bring premium grooming services into International Arrivals and be part of a new era of service-led experiences at the airport.”

Sydney Airport General Manager Retail, Gail Taylor, said: “We know that after a long flight, people want things to feel simple and seamless.

“Whether you’re arriving in Sydney for the first time or coming home, our focus is on making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. These new service-led offerings are part of our broader commitment to making every step through the airport easier.”

These offerings are currently only available in the arrivals terminal of Sydney T1 International.

If these kinds of health, wellness and beauty offerings pop up in domestic terminals, where travellers are often a little tighter on time, remains to be seen.