How To Stay Limber On An Airplane: In Flight Yoga
I’ll be making a long-haul flight this holiday season – over 13 hours of flying time, one way. Whenever I fly, I always try and drink lots of water to stay hydrated while traveling. I try and get up at least once an hour and walk up the aisles of the airplane. Also, I like do yoga early in the morning, and hit the gym to get in some cardio before my flight.
To stay limber in the air, here are 5 great exercises to do on a plane:
- Knees Lifts – These are great for engaging your abs, without the need for a yoga mat. Place your hands on the armrest and lift your knees up slowly while you exhale — pulling your navel to your spine. Try to scoot a little bit away from the back of the chair and keep your torso still as you lift your legs. If you are worried about your back, do it one leg at a time. Do this motion about 15 times.
- Calf Raises – Stand in the aisle, while holding on to the back of a seat. Begin with feet parallel and stand with your feet directly under the hip joints. Your feet should really only be about four to five inches apart. Lift your heels up in a controlled motion, taking two counts to get to the top of the motion. Don’t pop up. Then lower down in two counts.
- Twists – To avoid rounding your back, sit at the edge of your seat with both feet flat on the floor. Bring your right hand to your left knee and left hand onto the seat behind you. Inhale and lengthen your spine then exhale, twist to your left using your obliques. Do this for 10 breaths and then switch sides.
- Shoulder Rolls – Sit at the edge of your seat with both feet on the floor. Inhale and lift shoulders up to your ears then exhale, roll shoulders back and down. Do this for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Neck Stretches – Again, sit at the edge of your seat, both feet on the floor, inhale and bring right ear towards right shoulder then exhale, bring your head back to center. Do the same for the other side. Do this for 30 seconds to one minute.
Are you traveling for the holidays this year?
Safe travels this holiday season!
