Ward Off Post-Flight Stiffness with These Stretches

With the holiday season right around the corner, many members are booking flights back home or out to warm, tropical destinations. While there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to holiday travel, from quality family time to a chance to relax on a beach for a few days, one aspect of air travel is kind of a bummer: that stiff, achy post-flight body. 

“Airplane seats are the worst,” says Allison English, a yoga instructor at Equinox Lincoln Park. “They aren't really made for anyone's anatomy. Whether you are tall or short, they compress the spine in a very rounded shape and often push the head to strange angles for hours. All of this can lead to lower back muscle discomfort, neck spasms, and shoulder crunchiness.”

If any of that sounds familiar, don’t fret. English promises there are yoga poses and other tweaks that can help quite a bit with all the crunchiness and general discomfort that comes with flying. Here’s what to know.