 Travel Fit Tips :: Flying Fit
Stay fit
and healthy
while you
fly.
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Luggage Can Be a Pain
..:: During that
mad rush to disembark the plane upon arrival when passengers are
bending backwards, leaning across seats and twisting around to wrestle
a heavy bag out the overhead storage bin, while they aren't even able
to get out in the aisle and stand up straight, is the perfect
opportunity to sustain an unexpected injury.
This is all too often the culprit behind a shoulder, back or wrist
problem that will seem to stay around forever. The best thing to do is
be smart. Wait until you can properly get it down without having to
strain. An extra minute or two won't kill you. Also, if you have a
really heavy checked bag, it might be a good idea to get someone to
help you get it off of the carousel.
Travel Smart!
Get Some Fresh Air
..:: An airplane is
a relatively small space that is tightly sealed with many people
sharing the same limited air supply. A recent study found that a few
airlines were not recirculating the air between flights while they were
on the ground, or replacing the air filters as often as they should be.
Since you never know how "unclean" the air is on the plane, when you
are on a brief layover between legs of a flight make sure to leave the
plane long enough to get a little fresh air. Maybe it will help you
from getting a cold from that guy in 21a.
Healthy Snacks Help Avoid
Temptation
..:: To avoid
being tempted by airport fast food and junk food, pack healthy snacks.
Having snacks on-hand also helps ensure you won't be stuck eating
unhealthy foods if you are stranded due to travel delays.
..:: Try a few
of Healthy Travel Network's favorites:
- Peanuts
- Dried fruit (check the label
for no sugar added varieties)
- Soy nuts
- Pretzels (consider low sodium
brands)
- Dry cereal (look for whole
grain, no sugar added varieties)
- Raisins
- Protein bars
- Instant "cup of soup" (If you
are planning on eating on the plane, remember to bring a plastic spoon.)
..:: Even healthy
snacks lose their goodness if you eat enough of them. Avoid over
indulging by packing single-serving sizes.
..:: Keep only
enough for the current day readily accesible in your briefcase, purse,
or laptop bag.
Water Prevents Dehydration
..:: Carry your own
water with you, and drink at least eight ounces per hour that you are
on the plane.
..:: Caffeine and
alcohol are diuretics, so forgo coffee, tea, and sodas. If you were
lucky enough to get an upgrade, skip the free cocktail in first class.
Survey Your Airport Dining
Options
..:: If, despite
your best attempts, you find yourself stranded at the airport at
meal-time, survey your dining options before making a selection. Many
airport vendors have added healthy eating options.
..:: Look for
- Salads
- Nuts (not too many!)
- Dried fruit (look for no sugar
added varities)
- Protein shakes and bars
..:: Be sure to
check the information directory before you go through security.
Otherwise, you might stand in line for 30 minutes only to find out
there's nothing healthy to eat on the other side.
..:: You might
have to walk to the other end of the terminal to find something good...
But then again, if you're stranded you probably have time to do so!
..:: Find out which airports have the
healthiest food and what some of your best dining options in the
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine report.
..:: If you can't
find anything healthy, order a half portion... even if the price is the
same.
Workout While You Wait
..:: Remember
to wear sneakers or stow them in your carry-on. We recommend wearing
them; regardless of any exercise you do, your back and feet will thank
you.
..:: Wear
clothing that can double as workout gear.
..:: Stash your
gear in a locker (or leave it with an unsuspecting collegue), and take
a power walk around the terminal.
..:: If you have
ample time, visit a nearby gym and get a real workout. Check out www.airportgyms.com
for nearby facilities.
..:: Skip the
people mover!
..:: Take the
stairs! |
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