Air travel is a modern-day wonder that lets us do awesome things that before were unfathomable.
Like wake up in NYC at 6 a.m. and be on the beach in Miami before noon.
Yet despite all its glory,flying kind of sucks.
Katie Thompson
The one thing I have found that helps to mitigate this a bit?
Moving a little before and after my flight.
Now Im not talking full-on workout.
Airplanes are no place to recover.
Which brings us to your best preflight option: light stretching andbodyweight exercises.
My spine locks up and I have a ton of low-back pain from tight hips.
Because of this, she focuses on spinal andhip mobilitywork before and after a flight.
(Before a flight, she suggests hydrating to prep for the dry airplane air.)
Theres really no right or wrong way!
They are lightweight and dont take up much luggage space.
While sitting on an airplane we are often slouched over or have a rounded back, Bilek says.
you might also do this exercise without a band.
Hold this position briefly before bringing arms back to the starting position.
Glute Bridge
Bridges strengthen the low back while stretching the hip flexors, Bilek explains.
Jumping Jack
Jumping gives our heart rate a boost and gets the blood flowing, says Bilek.
Flexion and extension of the spine will stretch the hips and abdomen as well.
(Note: you’ve got the option to do these without any weights.
Adding dumbbells is cool if you have them, but simply using your bodyweight is great too.)
Downward Facing Dog
Downward Dog stretches your spine and hamstrings, says Vesco.
It really helps to keep soft knees and heels off the floor unless you have great ankle flexibility.
Skater Hop
Skaters are a functional movement, meaning many muscles are working at once.
Performing this with speed will increase your heart rate, re-energizing you postflight, says Bilek.
Chest Stretch
Chest openers are a huge staple in my practice, Nicks says.
I reach up overhead, interlace my fingers, and do side bends.
Forward Lunge
Lunges are great for stretching the hips.
Figure Four Stretch
Sitting can cause sore outer hips.
This stretch allows the hip muscles to lengthen and release, alleviating that pain.
The figure four stretch can also be done standing for those with good balance!
Child’s Pose
Vesco suggests keeping your knees wide to better release your hips and low back.
Gifs and images: Photographer: Katie Thompson.
Hair grooming: Yukiko Tajima.
Makeup: Risako Matsushita.
Stylists: Rika Watanabe, Tiffany Dodson.
