About exercise on plane?

[Userlavender]

My GP is worried about my dvt risk as I recently had quite a hefty lower body surgery after an accident and I also vape now and again. I keep being told to exercise on the plane - and not just rotating ankles in my seat - told to pace up and down. GP says everyone should do this, but in all seriousness, if everyone DID do this on an 11 hour flight (my next work trip) it would be a bit chaotic on the plane. Does anyone do this regularly? The exercise bit? I'm guessing I just need to walk to the toilet every hour and not fall asleep! Unless there's a more official regime!

I fly a lot of long haul. I get restless feet and legs so I do spend a lot of time rotating my ankles and then just standing up and pushing up on the balls of my feet stretching the back of my legs. Will you be flying business class?

Support stockings are a must as well. You'll really notice a difference in how heavy your legs feel if you wear them or not.

Yes, if your at risk of DVT you need to walk around every hr. It's a pain.

Not necessary in business class, I've been told as your legs are elevated.

No not business class :-( am going to stock up on ted stockings!

OP, you can google what you should be doing.

OP, you can google what you should be doing

Her (highly trained) GP has told her what she should be doing.

Her (highly trained) GP has told her what she should be doing

Well she'd obviously like some clarification and it can be found along with diagrams on the many websites concerning inflight exercise and how to do it.

But thank you for your comment anyway.

How hard is it to get up and walk around????

But thank you for your comment anyway.

A pleasure!

Yes to the very attractive stockings.

And just make sure you get up frequently. Pick an aisle seat if you can. When you get up to go to the toilet walk up and down a bit. If you have to wait for the toilet move around while you are standing waiting - from foot to foot etc.

I quite often walk up and down the aisle- obviously not while they are serving drinks or food. You can also wander up to the galley for a drink.

I stand up every half hour or so and stretch a little and walk at least every hour on a plane. I book an aisle seat to ensure I can.

OP, this link specifically talks of how to avoid DVT on a flight. I hope you find it useful.

An aisle seat would make it easier for you getting up and down and you should be able to get quite a walk in if you go through the galleys.

www.acefitness.org/acefit/fitness-fact-article/290/how-to-avoid-deep-vein-thrombosis-on-long/

Select an aisle seat at the back, there is often space there by the emergency exits around the toilets. Whenever I fly long haul there is always a few people stretching, chatting and trying to rock babies to sleep.. I've met some interesting people over the years.

Thanks @fatowl, definitely aisle seat

If it's a work flight tell them you really need to go business class due to your specific risks. If you emphasise it's not something that will not be an ongoing problem especially if they agree to an upgrade this time then it might be worth a try.

I'm not at risk for DVT but I absolutely can't sleep on planes and seemingly hava bladder the size of a thimble. I always get an aisle seat and it's not to much if an issue to get up every hour as long as you keep out of everyone's way

I agree with Ziva if that can be done

I fly to Australia from the UK alot and my tips are;

• get an aisle seat so you are not climbing over people- you are more likely to get up if you don't feel self conscious.

Go down the back where the toilets are, and there is an emergency exit.... you have more room- people often go down there. I rotate from my neck and down, shoulders, arms, wrists, hips, legs and ankles. Then I go up again. I do some stretches and some yga poses like standing tree etc. I few toe touches etc. I do 10 minutes or so every hour but you may need more often.

• ask your doctor about meds.... I assume you are taking anti-clotting meds? Make sure you have what you need, take them when you need and have them in your carry on. If you do not have anything specific ask about aspirin.If your GP does NOT recommend it, then don't take it clearly, but I have been recommended before taking a half tablet every 6 hours or so. But don't do anything like that without asking the person who knows you individual history.

Get an aisle seat , support stocking and honestly you will be fine but move every hour or so

Agree with everything @SecretEscapesWannabe says. I fly between Uk and NZ several times a year and get an aisle seat and get up every hour to walk aboutand stretch out. The back or front of the plane will have some space and just do some stretches and March on the spot rather than pacing the aisles. It's just as good to simply raise your heels alternately while standing as it will get the blood flowing and the muscles moving. Toe touches, back bends etc. hold onto the wall and raise your heels up and down. Rest with your back against the wall and weight in your heels and point your toes down to try and reach the floor. If you are self conscious just spend a few mins in the loo doing it or walk up to the galley and get a water or a gin.
A380's have a stack of space front and back. Other planes are a bit tight and have premium classes at the front (don't go marching in there!)
Just don't stand in the middle of the aisle and do yoga while people are sleeping or chilling watching Tv, soooo distracting and a total pet hate for me!