| She holds her own exercise
class...
Sitting
for a long time can make you feel stiff and lethargic. This lack of movement (as
you sit with seatbelt buckled up), can slow down your body’s circulation
preventing oxygen from getting to the joints and muscles. Stretching is an invaluable
solution to keeping your muscles limber and to energize you as you head overseas.
Personal Fitness Trainer, Susan Lee suggests the following six exercises to take
on board. Either do them on your own or invite the person next to you to join
you. Who knows? This could be the start of a new inflight friendship! Warm-up
with toe taps...
To immediately increase the circulation to your
body and prevent blood pooling in your legs, begin with toe taps. Tap 10 times
to the right and 10 times to the left. Then alternate right and left for an additional
set of 10. To add greater range of motion through the ankle joint, repeat this
exercise tapping your heels to the floor. Ankle
circles and numbers...
Using your big toe as a pencil, start writing
numbers -- one through eight --first with the right foot, then with the left.
Heading off to Hong Kong? You can do a few more number eights. In the Chinese
culture, the number eight signifies prosperity. Hip,
hop on your hip... Sitting on your behind, can be a precursor to the
“numb bum syndrome.” Sitting way back in your seat, shift your body
weight from side to side as you move forward on your seat. Pause and then repeat
the “hip hop” action backwards.  Spinal
spirals...
Your back was meant for movement in numerous directions.
For the rotational movement, slowly turn your body to the left and hold. Repeat
to the right. Breathing allows you to relax into the stretched position, so take
a deep breath in and exhale as you spiral to each side. Repeat as needed.
Shoulder
shrugs...
Slowly bring your shoulders up towards your ears. Hold
for two counts. Then slowly push your shoulders downward as far away from your
ears as possible. Neck stretches...
Sitting up in your seat as tall as you can and looking forward, slowly bring your
right ear towards your right shoulder. You will feel the stretch on the left side
of your neck. Repeat the same with the left ear going towards the left shoulder.
This is a great way to rid the stiffness from your neck muscles. Ed.
note: Why not print and pack a copy of these exercises in your carry-on.
Then, should you feel any stiffness coming on, you can go through all of the stretches
or simply choose the one that suits you for the moment. (Source:
Her Own Way, Journeywoman files, Woman’s China Kit) | 
