{"id":18302,"date":"2023-06-12T10:50:46","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T10:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/?p=18302"},"modified":"2024-05-22T10:58:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-22T10:58:33","slug":"the-benefits-of-exercising-while-flying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/the-benefits-of-exercising-while-flying\/","title":{"rendered":"The benefits of exercising while flying"},"content":{"rendered":"Approx read: <\/span> 4<\/span> mins<\/span><\/span>

Fly high, stay healthy<\/h2>\n

Traveling via air is undeniably convenient and often necessary, so passengers should be keenly aware of the hazards that flying \u2013 and particularly on long-haul flights – can have on their health. Research has clearly established that flying can produce or exacerbate a range of health issues like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), muscle spasms, jet lag and even chronic exhaustion. Nevertheless, there are a few ways to decrease the impacts to your health during a flight and of primary importance in this list is engaging in physical activity whilst airborne.<\/p>\n

How long has it been known that flying could be detrimental to health?<\/h4>\n

It was all the way back in the 1960s that the first studies were published exposing the health risks associated with air travel. These studies found that passengers were at a heightened risk of developing DVT, a sometimes-lethal condition, in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the leg, pelvis and sometimes, the arm. If a DVT embolism breaks free and travels through the circulatory system, it can cause blockages affecting the heart or lungs and can be deadly, so it’s sensible to keep a close eye on any underlying health concerns that could amplify dangers to flying.<\/p>\n

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What other health implications can arise from flying?<\/h4>\n

In addition to DVT, flying can also cause a few other health problems, including:<\/p>\n

Muscle cramps.\u00a0That sudden shocking pain when muscles just lock up are a frequent problem for some people on flights. The cramping is a direct result of dehydration and lack of movement.<\/p>\n

Fatigue.\u00a0Feeling listless and unenergetic is another widespread issue associated with hours spent in an aircraft. That general feeling of fatigue is a consequence of dehydration, lack of movement, and jet lag.<\/p>\n

Dehydration. Irritating and uncomfortably dry eyes, dry skin, and a parched mouth from a lack of water intake will create problems for even the hardiest of experienced fliers. The cabin air lacks moisture, so you will need to compensate by drinking plenty of water at regular intervals. Take a note that sugary fruit or soft drinks and alcohol are beverages that won\u2019t help!<\/p>\n

Jet lag. That old foe jet lag is a condition that occurs when you travel across time zones. It can cause symptoms like fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and headaches even after you\u2019ve landed. We\u2019ve taken some time to detail how to deal with jet lag here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s a cramped aircraft, not a gym! What can I do for exercise?<\/h4>\n

While you could get creative with the style of exercising on a plane (we\u2019re thinking of doing a set of press-ups in the aisle) you might want to stick to an accepted list of exercises that can be done on an aircraft. Some of the most common exercises include:<\/p>\n