Flight tickets…. Check
Passport…. Check
Luggage…. Check
Physio/ Osteo appointment…. Ahhhh Check?
The Spiel
For many, traveling is rather exciting, especially when you’re on your way to sun yourself in an exotic destination. However, it also means sitting for long periods of time, meaning it’s important to stay active on a plane, even when you’re desperate to lie back and binge-watch films or having to prepare tasks on your work trip.
Seated in what is usually for most of us, a confined space for an extended period of time can be an attributor to many heath risks like insomnia, weight gain and viruses [1], then there is the risk of DVT on plane flights. How many of us though get to our destination sore and bound up from being stuck in a confined space for hours on end, I hear it every week form my clients about how they spend all this time working on their bodies through the year and then when they have to travel it’s all undone.
Below are my videos (one full description and the other an abbreviated movement only version) to help relieve some of those aches when seated in the plane, train, coach or car. I know you don’t want to be that person constantly moving around annoying all the other passengers and you don’t have to. A lot of these can be done discretely and intermittently with all of the stealth of a F-22 Raptor tactical fighter plane.
Enjoy
The Facts
When flying the central blood vessels in your legs can be compressed, making it harder for blood to get back to your heart.
– Qantas
Complications from DVT kill more people each year than breast cancer, motor vehicle accidents and HIV combined.
Prolonged sitting leads to poor circulation, blood circulation is crucial to good health, but sitting can impede blood flow, affecting every system of the body.
The Tips
Window seats are so last season
Ask for an isle seat when traveling on a coach train or plane. This way way its easier for you to get up and down without having to worry about annoying others.
Be “That Person”
Get up and go to the bathroom or walk up and down the isle. Even just standing up and sitting down every 20 – 30 mins.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
This can be the difference between coming off the plane feeling like you are ready to get on with your holiday/ work trip/ home day or like death warmed up. When you’re dehydrated, your mood, energy levels and cognitive function will suffer, but also can contribute to those headaches people tend to get especially when traveling.
*Please note these exercises and tips are general in nature if you are experiencing pain or any adverse symptoms please consult a medical or allied health professional
I hope you have enjoyed the information that I have shared with you in this blog and that you can use this to start taking back your physicality and wellbeing bit by bit, and not giving it all to the demands of modern society.
If you would like more information in regard to your wellbeing or would like to check out Aligned for Life Pilates Melbourne in regard to sessions, classes or workplace wellness programs click below.
Benjamin Rashleigh 