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Flying Fit

Founder of The Oaks at Ojai

Few folks today believe that adage, “No pain, no gain.” If there’s pain, there’s a problem, including pain associated with fitness and sports. When you’re flying, pain is the body’s signal that something could be wrong. Here are some tips to stay fit when you’re traveling by air, or anytime you’re feeling cramped and stiff.

*If you have any health concerns, talk to your physician before you fly. If you’re traveling overseas, make sure that you have a sufficient supply of any medication you may need and even carry a list of the types of medication you could require.

*Get up for a walk. Yes, today’s air travel doesn’t lend itself to lengthy or aerobic walks on the plane. Sometimes we cannot even stroll. Please request an aisle seat and then make sure you get up once every hour to walk to the restroom. As you’re waiting your turn, take some deep breaths, stretch your arms over your head and gently do some knee bends, never lowering your backside below your knees. Hold onto the flight “kitchen” counter or the back of a seat if you’re feeling unsteady.

*Move your knees. Sitting in your airline seat, alternate lifting and bringing one knee at a time to your chest.

*Move your feet. Sitting in your airline seat, keep your heels on the floor and lift your toes. Then keep toes on the floor and lift your heels. With both feet on the floor, roll the soles of the feet inward, hold and then roll outward. You can do these movements as often as you choose and great to do while watching that movie.

*Move your fingers and toes. Just take a few minutes, when you’re thinking of it, and move all your fingers and toes.
*Move your arms. Bend your arms and place your hands on your shoulders. Lift your elbows and touch them at the “funny bone,” the tip of your elbow and then bring them down to your sides. Do this at least five times. Then lift your elbows as high as possible, and then bring them toward your waist.

*Move your weight around. With your seatbelt on, place your hands on each side of your hips. Slowly attempt to lift your backside off the seat. Hold for a few moments and relax. Then try it again.

*Move your spine. It’s so easy to slouch when flying and this reduces the amount of air we get into the body. Check your posture. Sitting straight up, exhale through your mouth, contracting your abdominal muscles. Now, inhale deeply, starting by filling out your lower lungs.

Keep these tips in mind, too. Wear loose clothing, especially for evening and overseas flights. Slacks are comfortable traveling clothing, but not when they bunch up or constrict your waist.

Layer your clothes. Bring a small cosmetic bag with you on board so that you can freshen up, brush your teeth, and comb your hair with your final visit to the restroom.

Layer your clothes. Bring a small cosmetic bag with you on board so that you can freshen up, brush your teeth, and comb your hair with your final visit to the restroom.

Drink plenty of water when you’re onboard. It’s tempting, perhaps, to have a mixed drink or something high in sugar, but both will make you feel sluggish in no time at all.

Since air travel today often requires long waits, bring something to read, crossword puzzle books or a portable craft.

A note on food: This might be the time to pack snacks or even a mini-meal if you’re on a weight maintenance or weight loss program. I’ve found that homemade foods always taste great when flying and then I can easily pick and choose from whatever airline food is offered.

It’s easy to remain comfortable when flying but you must make an effort, even in the air, to stay fit for life.

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Sheila Cluff, fitness expert, television celebrity and owner of The Oaks at Ojai, is the author of Take 5: How You Can Benefit from Just Five Minutes of Daily Exercise and The Ultimate Recipe for Fitness by Sheila and Eleanor Brown. Visit Sheila's Spa on the Internet and see all that's happening at the resort: The Oaks at Ojai www.oaksspa.com.