Seven in-flight exercises to survive and thrive on long-haul trips
Exercises to boost circulation, reduce swelling, activate core muscles and stretch your body, plus more tips to ensure you arrive at your next destination in top form
Dreading your international flight (and the jet lag) this summer? We can’t promise you it won’t be tiring, but there are ways to reduce the physical impact of such cramped conditions.
To make the process simple, here are top exercise tips (and a couple of dietary hints) so you can make the most of your precious holiday time on arrival.
The ultimate guide to long-haul travel with young children
Try to get a good workout in before you board the plane, on the day of your flight if possible. Vigorous exercise releases endorphins, feel-good hormones that help us deal with discomfort better. Endorphins coursing through your veins just before embarking on a mostly sedentary experience can only be a good thing.
1 Standing roll down
While a couple hours sitting and watching a film might be welcome, the need to stretch will soon arise. Move to the back of the plane and use whatever space you can outside the food and beverage curtain or the bathroom doors. Stand with your feet hip width apart and raise both arms overhead. Engage your core, being mindful not to arch your back. Soften the shoulders down the back and on an exhale, reach up and bend over, rolling down the spine, as if you were diving into water. Pull your abdominals into the spine as much as possible, and visualise articulating each vertebra. If you can’t touch the floor without bending your knees, that’s fine. Most importantly, keep the core engaged and ensure the shoulders are not hunched.