Fitness While Flying

Spring Break has arrived over much of the nation. Families are packing up their kids for trips to Disney World or Harry Potter World or just to see the grandparents.

If you’re flying, here are a few tips on feeling good when you arrive–a feat that is often not easy given the stale air and restricted movements.

I’ve flown a lot commercially and also in the plane my hubby and I once owned. Traveling in our own plane was the best. No ticket counters, no huge long lines, no waiting for the baggage carousel, and all the other inconveniences.

One thing however was the same. Sitting in a relatively small seat for a long flight.

At least in a commercial airliner one can walk up and down the aisle even though the flight attendants look kind of nervous when you do it in today’s world.

6 Fitness While Flying Tips

1. Foot pump. That’s what I call this. With your feet flat on the floor, keep your heel on the floor and lift your feet up and down. This keeps the blood pumping in your leg veins and helps avoid a dangerous DVT that might result from long air flights. Pump your feet about 30 times. Do this at least every hour.

2. Torso Twist. Tell your seat mate you’re going to stretch. Slide forward in your seat, put your hands on your stomach and twist to the left as far as you can go and hold for a count of 30. Then repeat on the right side. Do this every couple of hours.

3. Shoulder Stretch. Reach your left arm over your shoulder, with your elbow bent. Touch your left shoulder blade. Point your elbow to the ceiling and lean to the left to increase the stretch. Hold for 30 econds then repeat on the right side.

4. Hamstring Stretch. Extend your left leg and put your heel on the floor. Keeping your back straight and lean forward. Hold for 30 seconds then repeat on the right side.

5. Lean your left ear to your left shoulder just till you get a nice stretch. Don’t overstretch. Hold for 30 seconds then repeat on the right side.

6. Lean your head down, chin to stretch, hold for a count of 20. Remember to stretch gently.

Takeaway Truth

These should help you arrive at your destination feeling flexible and energized rather than stiff and exhausted. Happy landings!