3 inflight exercises to avoid deep vein thrombosis

Going on a plane ride? Here're 3 simple exercises to prevent getting deep vein thrombosis.

1) Toe Touches

Start with toe touches, where you simply bend your body forward to touch your toes, to help loosen the stiffness of your back from sitting too long. However, this may be a bit tricky if you're on a budget airline, as leg space is tight.

2) Ankle Rotation

One way to prevent blood clots in the leg, according to Dr Frankie Tan, head of Sports Science Centre, as well as head and senior sports physiologist at the Singapore Sports Institute, is to do ankle rolls. Lift both feet from the floor and draw circles with your toes, going clockwise with one foot and counter-clockwise with the other. After 15 seconds, reverse direction for another 15 seconds. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

3) Hamstring Stretch

Sometimes, we have problems standing up after sitting for too long, thus Cheng Guang Hao, physiotherapist at Core Concepts, suggests doing hamstring stretches to help maintain optimal length in your hammies.

Stick your bottom out and, keeping back straight while sitting down, straighten one leg as much as possible and lean forward while keeping your back straight. Hold for 10 seconds, and repeat three more times for each leg.

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