KBs

KBs

Monday, December 2, 2013

Stay Loose on the Go

I fly often. Especially this time of year. Translation: I spend way too much time seated. My hamstrings shorten, my low back and hips tighten and my shoulder blades get pushed forward by the seat. All of these ingredients lead to bad posture, body imbalance and pain. But I have vowed not to simply accept this. There are things I can do to counteract the effects of sitting for hours on end.

For starters, I carry a few mobility tools with me when I travel:
  • The multi-purpose mobility peanut. This tool consists of two hard, tennis ball sized balls in a sleeve. It can be used all over the body as a massage tool. I like to put the peanut on either side of my spine while I'm seated and press into the chair. This helps unlock the tightness in the muscles in between the shoulder blades. I also use the peanut to roll out the fascia in the bottom of my feet, to dig deep into my butt muscles and smash the front of my chest and shoulders. The possibilities are endless.

  • The stretchy therapy band. This simple piece of rubber tubing provides resistance for many easy-to-do exercises and stretches. I like to take the band in both hands and stretch my arms as wide as possible, squeezing my upper back muscles. I do this at my waist, chest and overhead. I also like to wrap the band around my knees and drive my knees outward while sitting. It makes the outside of the hip, which is turned off when seated, activate in a serious way.
  • Golf Ball. I keep one of these in all my travel gear. It is the ultimate tool for smashing knots, especially in the feet.
In addition to these tools, I also have a few travel habits that help keep me loose on the go.
  • I never sit in the terminal chairs. I either stand or sit cross legged on the ground. Anything but more chair sitting.
  • I do forward fold. A lot. It may look weird to touch one's toes in an airport, but I don't care, it's worth it.
  • Hydrate! The air in planes is dry, which sucks more water out of your body when you breath. Dehydrated muscles are tight muscles.
I use this set of tools mainly when I fly, but you can take them on a road trip just as easily. Travelling can wreak havoc on your body, but with a properly stocked toolbox, you can arrive at your destination feeling loose.

Limber travels,

Jack

PS - Shout out to the airlines that are allowing small electronic devices throughout the flight, per the new FAA rules. Some airlines are still not playing ball, saying that they need to update the training programs for their flight crews. I call BS. Just stop telling people to turn off their devices for take off and landing. How hard can that be?