Fit out of the plane after a long flight

Flying within Europe is fine, but as soon as the flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean to America or moves the other side towards Asia it often happens that you do not arrive very fit at your final destination. In order to avoid this we would like to give you some tips:

Make yourself comfortable

The first thing to do is to put your seat in the right position as soon as you are seated. Make sure you can sit as comfortable as possible. It is also important to cross your legs as little as possible. The risk of thrombosis is much less. By crossing your legs, your legs tire more quickly. Wear loose clothing. Nothing is more unpleasant than wearing tights pants during a long flight! Wear  your clothing in layers. That way you can control your own body temperature during the flight.

Sleeping on a plane

Sleeping on a plane is good to get some rest, but is also somewhat of a challenge. Sometimes it’s still light outside, people around you are talking or children are crying, and there’s no possibility to stretch out. To be able to sleep you can bring a neck pillow and ask for an extra blanket. Earplugs or a sleep mask could be helpful as well.

Stretching exercises

Stretching and moving are good options to stay fit. Stand up from your seat at least twice an hour and walk around. This keeps your blood circulation going.  Stretch often, you can even do that while seated. Hereby we will give you 5 examples of helpful stretch exercises:

1. Place your feet next to each other. First keep your heels on the ground pull up your toes. Repeat this a few times and then do the exercise  in reverse. Keep your toes on the ground and try to pull up your heels as far as you can.
2. Lift your right foot a bit from the ground and make circles, first clockwise, then counterclockwise. Repeat this with your left foot.
3. Lift your right knee and place your hands on the knee. Try to press your knee down while lifting the same knee. This way you train your arm- and leg muscles. Hold for a while and relax again. Repeat this with the other knee.
4. Roll your shoulders. First move them forward, then up and finally backwards. Relax for a while and then in reverse (First backwards, up and finally forwards).
5. Sit up straight and relax your shoulders. Slowly put your head to the left. Hold this for a short while and slowly move your head back up. After that you do the same the other way around, to the right.

Hopefully these suggestions will eventually help you to get out of the plane in tip-top condition.