Find Out Why Plane Yoga is a Hot New Trend

Summer is the best time to travel and for many people that means taking an airplane to their destination. You can spend this travel time watching a movie, reading, catching up on sleep or doing a downward dog.

Doing yoga on an airplane may sound very strange but it is now a hot new trend, reported Fast Company. That’s because TikTok creators are sharing videos of flight attendants guiding passengers through some seated yoga poses.

One TikTok that went viral shows passengers on an EasyJet flight with arms raised in the air while the 1980s Flashdance hit song “Maniac” is playing. This video has gone viral with over 1.5 million views.

Another TikTok session on Spirit Air wasn’t serious, as the flight attendant instructed the passengers to: “Touch your toes, stretch your back out. And while you’re down there, pick up all the trash you threw on the ground.”

But whether it is a gimmick to get passengers to clean up after themselves or not, there are some good reasons why plane yoga is trending.

Why is Plane Yoga Popular?
Yoga can keep passengers who are in cramped tiny seats comfortable over long plane rides, according to Slate Magazine. Doing some poses can even help travelers get over anxiety about flying.

So, whether it is giving you a quick stretch to get the kinks out or just entertaining you, plane yoga is actually good for you. But the trend is not completely new or unique. Delta began offering stretching exercises on board in 2021.

Real Science Behind Plane Yoga
Besides comfort, there is real science behind getting people moving on long plane rides, according to Healthline.

Flying can increase your chances of getting a blood clot. That’s because you are sitting for long periods of time and the reduced air pressure in the plane can lead to hypoxia which can slow blood flow and allow clots to form.

Ways to counteract this are to wear compression socks, sit in a seat with extra leg room if possible, and get up and walk around during the flight at least once an hour. If that’s not doable, do some stretches or yoga in your seat even if your airline doesn’t do plane yoga sessions.

Before you travel, pack your travel pillow, noise reducing headphones, and maybe a yoga podcast or two.