7 Easy Airplane Stretches to Keep You Limber While Flying
Traveling by airplane can often leave you feeling stiff and uncomfortable, especially during long flights. Sitting in a cramped seat for hours on end can take a toll on your body, leaving you with tight muscles and poor circulation. Fortunately, there are several easy stretches you can do while flying to keep your body limber and prevent discomfort. By incorporating these simple exercises into your routine, you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and energized. Here are seven airplane stretches to try on your next flight:
1. Neck Stretch
- Start by sitting up straight in your seat and tilting your head to the right, bringing your right ear towards your right shoulder.
- Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat on the left.
- Perform this stretch a few times on each side to help release tension in your neck and upper back.
2. Shoulder Rolls
- Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and roll your shoulders backwards in a circular motion.
- Repeat this movement for 10-15 seconds, then switch direction and roll your shoulders forwards.
- Perform a few sets of shoulder rolls to help relieve tension in your upper body and improve circulation.
3. Seated Spinal Twist
- Sit towards the edge of your seat with your feet flat on the floor.
- Twist your torso to the right, placing your left hand on the outside of your right thigh and your right hand on the armrest or seat back.
- Hold this twist for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat on the left.
- Perform this stretch a few times on each side to stretch and release tension in your back.
4. Seated Hamstring Stretch
- Extend one leg out in front of you, keeping your foot flexed.
- Lean forward from your hips, reaching towards your toes and feeling a stretch in the back of your leg.
- Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat on the other side.
- Perform a few sets of this stretch to help relax and lengthen your hamstrings.
5. Ankle Circles
- While seated, lift one foot off the floor and rotate your ankle in a circular motion.
- Perform 10-15 ankle circles in one direction, then switch and rotate in the opposite direction.
- Repeat this exercise on both feet to improve circulation and prevent ankle stiffness.
6. Seated Figure Four Stretch
- Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor.
- Place your right ankle on top of your left thigh, forming a figure four shape.
- Gently press down on your right knee to deepen the stretch, feeling a gentle opening in your hip.
- Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat on the left.
- Perform this stretch a few times on each side to release tension in your hips and glutes.
7. Wrist Stretches
- Extend your right arm out in front of you, then flex your wrist so that your fingertips point towards the ceiling.
- Use your left hand to gently press on the back of your right hand, feeling a stretch in your forearm.
- Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat on the left.
- Perform this stretch a few times on each side to relieve tension in your wrists and forearms.
By taking just a few minutes to stretch during your flight, you can significantly improve your comfort level and prevent stiffness. Incorporating these simple exercises into your routine will help keep your body limber and energized, allowing you to arrive at your destination ready to explore. So, the next time you’re on a plane, don’t forget to take a break from sitting and give these easy airplane stretches a try. Your body will thank you!
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Main Takeaway
When traveling by airplane, it’s important to take care
