How to do Pilates on an airplane

Here are a few of my favorite moves for long travel days

Summer is finally upon us! 

And so is the travel season. Ahhhh the wind blowing through your hair, the sweet smell of an ocean breeze, a good book by your side and…the incredibly stiff and tight muscles from a long flight. Blegh!

Fortunately, Pilates is a great way to counteract the stiffness, swelling and general body discomfort that can come from flying for who-knows-how-many-hours. And, you can even do it while in the air!

Here are 5 of my favorite Pilates movements to do on an airplane:

Seated Pelvic Tilts

Sit tall with your feet flat on the floor. Gently pull your pelvis back then forward (think tucking and untucking) and then release. Try 5-10 every hour.

Shoulder Rolls

Roll your shoulders forward 5 times, then backward. Make sure you’re breathing as you roll.

Seated Supine Twist

Sit tall and take a big inhale. As you exhale, gently twist your torso to one side (don’t forget to say hi to your neighbor!). Take a breath and exhale as you return to the center. Repeat. 

Toe Taps and Heel Raises

Start with your feet flat on the floor. Then alternate tapping your toes 5 times. Switch to slowly lifting and lowering your heels 5 times. Repeat.

The Hundred: Breathing Edition

Elongate your spine, activate your core and pump your arms small and fast by your sides (imagine you’re patting the clouds). Inhale for 5, exhale for 5 and repeat for 10.

Bonus points if you share these with your neighbor!

Want more Pilates on the go? Join the Pilates Party for live virtual classes that bring the energy straight to you, regardless of where you are!