Yoga Tips For Travelers
By Joy Abrams

I can’t tell you how many of my yoga students come back from a trip telling me about their aches and pains. Needless to say that when you are confined in a seat on an airplane for a long time it affects your muscles and joints. You are sitting in one place and that also affects your blood circulation. I suggest if possible getting the seat on the aisle as this allows more access in and out of your seat during the long flight. Here are a few postures that you can do on your long flight that will help release your stress in your muscles and prevent fatigue.

Inhale for the count of four and exhale for the count of eight six times. Then get out of your seat and walk around the aisles of the plane as you are inhaling bringing your right foot forward and exhaling bringing your left foot forward. This is sure to bring circulation to the legs and is a good pick me up.
Lift up your spine and straighten it vertebrae by vertebrae as you are sitting in your seat. Relax your spine. Do this again as you take in your yoga breath slowly for the count of four. Exhale for the count of eight as you relax your spine. Do this eight times. This will energize you and bring blood to your spinal area.
Inhale for the count of four as you push both palms of your hands gently on the back of the seat in front of you. Keep your spine against the back of your seat as you do this. Exhale for the count of eight as you remove your hands and relax your spine. Do this eight times. This brings blood to your spine and stretches the muscles in your hands bringing blood circulation to both areas.
Lift your right knee and wrap your hands around it as inhale for the count of four. Exhale for the count of eight, remove your hands from your knee and lower your leg to the ground. Alternate legs. Do this eight times.
Rotate your left ankle all the way around to the right eight times. Relax and inhale for the count of four and exhale for the count of eight. Now rotate your left ankle all the way around to the left. Do the same posture with the other ankle. This posture is excellent to bring in blood circulation to the legs and hips.
Place your hands on each side of your rib cage. Inhale for the count of four and exhale for the count of eight. Be aware of how the ribs expand with your inhalation and contract with your exhalation. Do this posture eight times. This will relax you and energize you.
By doing these postures during your long flight you are taking care of yourself in a way that is sure to pay dividends to you and it will help you to arrive refreshed at your destination. For further information refer to the” Joy of Yoga” audiotape.

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