| She holds
her own exercise class...
Sitting
for a long time can make you feel stiff and lethargic. This
lack of movement (as you sit with seatbelt buckled up), can
slow down your body’s circulation preventing oxygen from
getting to the joints and muscles. Stretching is an invaluable
solution to keeping your muscles limber and to energize you
as you head overseas. Personal Fitness Trainer, Susan Lee
suggests the following six exercises to take on board. Either
do them on your own or invite the person next to you to join
you. Who knows? This could be the start of a new inflight
friendship!
Warm-up with toe taps...
To immediately increase the circulation to your body and prevent
blood pooling in your legs, begin with toe taps. Tap 10 times
to the right and 10 times to the left. Then alternate right
and left for an additional set of 10. To add greater range
of motion through the ankle joint, repeat this exercise tapping
your heels to the floor.
Ankle circles and numbers...
Using your big toe as a pencil, start writing numbers -- one
through eight --first with the right foot, then with the left.
Heading off to Hong Kong? You can do a few more number eights.
In the Chinese culture, the number eight signifies prosperity.
Hip, hop on your hip...
Sitting on your behind, can be a precursor to
the “numb bum syndrome.” Sitting way back in your
seat, shift your body weight from side to side as you move
forward on your seat. Pause and then repeat the “hip
hop” action backwards.
 Spinal
spirals...
Your back was meant for movement in numerous directions. For
the rotational movement, slowly turn your body to the left
and hold. Repeat to the right. Breathing allows you to relax
into the stretched position, so take a deep breath in and
exhale as you spiral to each side. Repeat as needed.
Shoulder shrugs...
Slowly bring your shoulders up towards your ears. Hold for
two counts. Then slowly push your shoulders downward as far
away from your ears as possible.
Neck stretches...
Sitting up in your seat as tall as you can and looking forward,
slowly bring your right ear towards your right shoulder. You
will feel the stretch on the left side of your neck. Repeat
the same with the left ear going towards the left shoulder.
This is a great way to rid the stiffness from your neck muscles.
Ed. note: Why
not print and pack a copy of these exercises in your carry-on.
Then, should you feel any stiffness coming on, you can go
through all of the stretches or simply choose the one that
suits you for the moment.
(Source: Her Own Way, Journeywoman files,
Woman’s China Kit) |
