In-Flight Yoga Can Keep You Happy, Healthy & Kink-Free

I practice yoga during every long-haul flight I take. No amount of lotion, water or sleep can help your body the way movement can while you’re on the plane. I also practice when I’m at the gate. People used to stop and stare even though I tried to make myself as inconspicuous as possible. People don’t stare anymore. You really can do it anywhere now.

Where?

The best place I’ve found on the plane to do a modified yoga routine is either in front of a partition in the center of the plane (there’s more than one on the 777s) or near the bathrooms. I can think of only one time that a flight attendant has asked me to sit down and it was because we hit some turbulence. Normally, they will politely ask about my routine or start talking about their own yoga routines amongst themselves. I rarely see someone practicing back there, so space is available. (One side note: If you have an hour or two to kill in the airport, there is almost always a sanctuary/prayer room where you can practice a full routine. The rooms are often carpeted in case you carry a mat with you.)

Why?

When you’re on a plane for upwards of seven hours, doing ANY movement (even simply standing) is a good idea. I see people fall asleep and remain motionless for the duration (except to eat). That’s cool and all but your circulatory and immune systems (you know, the ones responsible for pushing those germs you’re sitting in for hours out of your body) love it when you circulate the blood and energy inside of you.

What?

Try modified versions of the following:
Mountain pose (stand up straight and lengthen from feet through crown)
Reaching your arms up
Lunges against the partition
Mini-backbends using hands to press of ceiling if you can reach. Don’t hate me if you can’t.
Twists of any sort
(Remember to wash your hands after you touch any surface.)

Who?

You!

Okay, a couple final points. If you’re in first class, you may find flight attendants foisting booze on you most of the trip. As insane or religious as this advice may seen, abstain. You’ll thank me when you land. Your body is going through enough without asking your kidneys and liver to process alcohol.

And while we’re talking about kidneys, do them the favor of getting yourself an aisle seat. Evacuate frequently and don’t worry if people think you have a bladder the size of a peanut. I do. I don’t care what people think.

Finally, I’m not a doctor but if you take melatonin and use this handy sleep calculator from British Airways, you may just figure out a way to beat jet lag.

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Further reading: I wrote this photo-article (okay, it’s totally cheesy) Take-Out Yoga two years ago and it shows some of the stretches I do in-flight (and at my desk). It may give you some ideas about how to create your own personalized routine before you fly.