You’re flying budget on a 12-hour-flight to to x beautiful destination. There’s a squalling baby just across the aisle, and the guy by the window seat has the weakest bladder in the world. You’d love to get some shut-eye if only the damn seat weren’t designed by the experts in persuasion at Guantanamo Bay.
Ah, the joys of budget air travel. Brings a tear to one’s eye, doesn’t it?
If you’re a frequent flyer, you’re probably no stranger to the discomfort that comes with frequent flying: Stiff backs; strained necks; sore butts. Thankfully, Gene Leong, the co-founder of Grit Gym, was happy to help us come up with a comprehensive workout regime to alleviate the physical stresses experienced by the frequent traveller.
Gene was quick to advice us that one of the best workout solutions for travellers with hectic schedules is to forego overly strenuous exercises in favour of stretching. “People who travel frequently usually develop some kind of tightness in several common areas,” he shared. “This may cause aches and lead to deterioration of posture. Priority should therefore be given to stretching and mobilising these areas, rather than working out hard and exacerbating these problems.”
Myofascial release goes a long way towards helping to alleviate the stiffness and discomfort of long flights. Gene helpfully demonstrates some equipment-light, easy to employ routines below.
HOW TO TOUCH YOURSELF, OR A GUIDE TO MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
(FEAT. GENE LEONG OF GRIT GYM)
The Equipment
We’ve kept the need to pack light in mind for this guide. The only equipment you’ll need to pack for these exercise are a small ball (a tennis ball will suffice) and a foam roller.
Pec Release
Pec Stretch
Thoracic Stretch
