Positive Benefits of Exercise Against Jet Lag

Constant travelers will know exactly how much toll jet lag can take from the body. For those who have experienced traveling to a significantly different time zone chances are they felt nauseous and unease during the first day or so of arriving. Some will have to contend with this experience for a couple more days. Symptoms of jet lag can range from difficulty sleeping, dizziness and vomiting. So how can we prevent jet lag from ruining our travels? One technique being looked at that is said to help prevent jet lag is by a specific set of exercise routines. Does this claim hold true?

Exercise VS Jet Lag

Positive Benefits of Exercise Against Jet LagThere are several common symptoms that accompany jet lag. Nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and stomachaches are all usually experienced by people who have jet lag from their travels. When you are feeling the effects of jet lag it is understandable that you just want to lie down in your bed and relax. However, this does not help treat your jet lag and you might still experience it afterwards. On the other hand, exercising is seen as something that can help lessen the effects of the jet lag you are experiencing or stop it altogether.

Studies are showing positive results when it comes to the effects of exercising on jet lag. It appears that exercising outdoors can actually help retune your internal clock faster. There are also 3 instances when exercising is beneficial to preventing and treating jet lag.

Pre-Flight Exercise

Before your flight is actually a good time to do some exercise, preferably high energy exercises. The point of this is to not only burn off some calories but also release some stress that you might be experiencing. If you do not have the time to conduct a proper high octane exercise then a brisk jog around your home or at the airport is just as good.

Try to Stay Active on the Plane

Positive Benefits of Exercise Against Jet LagLong flights can really elevate your stress levels as you are stuck in such a small place for a period of time. To avoid any cramping you should walk around every once and a while as this can keep your blood flowing throughout the flight. If walking around the plane is not your cup of tea then some simple isometric workouts will suffice.

You can try the following exercises if walking around the plane is not an option:

  • Shoulder Rolls
  • Shoulder Stretches
  • Leg Stretches
  • Glute Squeezes
  • Ab Stretches

Arrival and Prevention of Jet Lag

Jet lags do not hit you immediately after you land. It will usually take around the 3rd day for you to actually feel the effects of jet lag. In order to prevent that from happening be sure to do some exercises on the day you arrive at your hotel. A quick 30 minute brisk walking followed by some simple weight lifting exercise can help ease your body into the process of adapting to your new time zone.

It is surprising to discover that by performing some simple exercise routines we are able to combat the effects of jet lag. Remember to try this out if you are going on an out of town trip. Jet lag can ruin your vacation but by staying ahead of the curve you can easily block this irritating condition from getting the best of you.