If you were drawn to Galavante, you love travel as much as we do. Of course, we always want to travel comfortably, regardless of age. And there are ways to do that, no matter how long the layover or how inconvenient the time change.
Here are a few of my go-tos for surviving sitting for long hours, eating salty snacks, or any nervous energy that takes a toll on the body.
Calf raises
Simple yet effective. Three sets of 15 every 2-4 hours, slowly pushing up to the balls of your feet and slowly lowering down. Even if you can only squeeze in a few, the movement helps circulation and can reduce swelling in your legs, while activating your muscles and protecting your lower back.
Spinal Roll Downs
When we get sick, our spines are often the first to ache, and we become extremely exposed to illness while traveling. Hence why keeping mobility and exercising the back is one of my personal favorites.
Three sets, starting at the crown of the head and rolling down one vertebra at a time, until your head is hanging. Nodding the head “yes” and “no” a few times before bending the knees and slowly rolling up.
If you can find a wall to roll up and down slowly, that would be amazing during a layover. If no wall is available, I’d recommend doing this before and after the flight, unless you want to test your balance in the aisle.
Shoulder Rolls
Every chance you get. With each inhale, raise your shoulders forward, up to your ears, and back down 4 times each way throughout your flight to keep circulation going. I tend to get a stiff neck on my trips, so if I can find a wall to lay my arm flat against and breathe into while it’s placed behind me, I stretch.
Ankle Rolls
On the airplane itself, this is the best thing to beat the salty food you’re given.
Shoes on and off (hopefully with socks, as we aren’t animals), circle your feet counter-clockwise 8 times, then clockwise 8 times, followed by pointing and flexing your feet whenever you can. Remember to breathe. This will keep oxygen flowing through your body to help you relax throughout the stretches.
Legs Up Against A Wall
For 15 minutes the night you land, lay your legs up against a wall to let the swelling in your legs release. You may start to feel tingling after some time. Listen to your body, and take note of the difference between pain or passing discomfort. From models to athletes, this is a perfect way to end the evening of nonstop travel. I personally love to end this pose in happy baby, bending the legs and holding my feet from the outer edges, or in child’s pose, with my chest laying over my knees and breathing slowly to decompress.
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FAQs
Q: What is the best yoga class to take after my flight?
A: Everyone’s body is different but I love to do a simpler Vinyasa or Hatha class after my travels.
Q: Can I take a heated yoga class after my flight?
A: I love hot yoga for what it does to the mind especially after being stagnant for so long… I would recommend (as long as you stay hydrated and listen to your body when to rest).
Q: Are there breathing techniques that could help?
A: Yes! But I would avoid holding your breath as we do not want to deprive the mind or body from oxygen when in the air (if that wasn’t obvious). Counting our breath slowly on each inhalation and exhalation will both benefit any nervousness in flying but also give the love needed to our bodies to avoid stiffness.
