So you've got a long flight, or perhaps you have the type of job that requires you to sit at a desk, machine, or in meetings for most of the day. Here is a list of simple exercises (no weights required!) that you can incorporate into your (mostly) seated lifestyle to keep the blood flowing and your muscles as active as possible despite having to sit for long periods of time.
Airplane
--Toe raises
--Calf raises
--Leg extensions
--Standing forward fold (hamstring stretch)
--Overhead arm stretches
Of course, simply getting up to retrieve an item out of the overhead bin or taking a walk through the cabin are worthwhile, too!
Small space: office, hotel, etc.
--Squats: using a chair for guidance, stand up and sit down (repeat as desired, but aim for sets of at least 50 repetitions at a time to raise your heart rate)
--Static bodyweight lunges in place (alternate legs)
--March in place
--Jumping jacks
Resistance bands:
Resistance bands are handy to keep tucked in a drawer at the office or bring along in your suitcase on a trip. They take up little room and are very lightweight. Whenever you're feeling stiff, pull out your resistance band and try some of these exercises:
--Squats with a shoulder press
--Glute kickbacks (alternate legs)
--Deadlifts
--Bicep curls
--Upright row
Enjoy being creative with your movements in a small, confined space!
© 2017 Melanie Glover. All rights reserved.
First image above: Shutterstock.