Making your way down the aisle of a jumbo jet preparing to depart on an international flight you are reminded of the tight confinement of airplanes. While planes are significantly larger today than ever before, movement and exercise is also more necessary than ever before with the looming threat of blood clots.
DVT, also known as Deep Vein Thromboses, is a blood clot that occurs primarily in the lower extremity. DVT can affect airplane passengers who have limited movement during long haul flights. Exercise that increases circulation is important on long haul flights not only to prevent blood clots, but also to help reduce jet lag and sore stiff extremities. We are giving you the run down on top exercises to increase circulation on your next long haul flight.
- With feet placed firmly on floor and moderately spaced apart, lift ankles as high as possible while keeping balls of feet and toes firmly on ground. Perform repetitions of 30 and repeat hourly throughout duration of flight.
- Sitting upright with back firmly pressed against seat, place palm of hands on knees and slowly roll neck in clockwise direction. Repeat ten times and perform hourly for increased circulation and reduced neck pain.
- With feet placed firmly on floor and moderately spaced apart, lift toes as high as possible while keeping heals of feet firmly on ground. Perform repetitions of 30 and repeat hourly throughout duration of flight
- Cross legs normally and make circles with the hanging foot. With tight seating, this exercise may be difficult in which case perform alternative of standing up placing weight on one foot and make circles with the weightless foot.
Modern technology has awarded the traveler with more amenities while airborne, however, the time spent in the air on a long haul flight is remains dread-some; make yourself more comfortable and healthy by incorporating the above tips into your next flight.
