Right now, I’m writing to you from a fully-packed flight back to the New York area from Colorado.  (Laura and I were in Boulder for the better part of the week, working on some new projects with Gaiam.)  Let me just say that I am relieved to finally be in the air and flying.  Although we arrived at the airport early, we found ourselves sitting at the gate with an hour delay—And it was one of those annoying delays that was supposedly only ten minutes long.  We reasoned that ten minutes wasn’t long enough to shop or eat, so we found ourselves sitting and waiting for the boarding announcement, which of course, didn’t happen in ten minutes.  We hadn’t even boarded the plane, and our bodies felt stiff from sitting.  Laura and I looked at each other and decided it was time for a little airport yoga.

Next time you find yourself sitting at the terminal with a few minutes to spare, try these five poses, which will loosen up your body before you board the plane.  Don’t worry—there’s no reason to be embarrassed.  You won’t make a scene doing these stretches.  You can do them all at your seat.  Happy flying.

Chest and Shoulder Stretch
Sit up tall, engaging your core by pulling your navel toward your spine. Sweep your arms behind your back, and interlace all ten fingers, squeezing your palms together. Roll your shoulders down and away from your ears, and lift your chest toward the sky.  Inhale deeply, then exhale as you hinge forward from the waist, allowing your clasped hands to fall forward.  Continue to breathe deeply.

Seated Spinal Twist
Inhale deeply, as you cross your right leg over your left, and place your left hand on the outside of your right thigh.  Place your right hand on the back of the chair, and exhale as you twist your torso to the right.  Press your left hand into your right thigh for leverage while you twist and gaze over your right shoulder.  Hold the stretch for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.

Hip Stretch
Sit up tall in your seat, and cross your right ankle over your left thigh.  Flex the right foot, and begin to lean forward, bringing your chest toward your shin.  Maintain length in your spine, and stop moving forward when your spine begins to round.  Breathe deeply through this intense, but very effective hip stretch.  After five breaths, repeat this exercise on the opposite side to stretch the left hip.

Forward Fold
Stand with your feet about hip width apart, and fold forward.  Grab opposite elbows, or hold the outsides of your calves as shown here.  Relax your head and neck, and allow the weight of your torso to release the tension in your lower back and to stretch the hamstrings.  Take five long breaths in this pose, then put a slight bend in your knees as you slowly rise to an upright position.

Wide Squat
Separate the feet a bit wider than hip width apart. Angle your toes about 45 degrees out to either side. Bring your upper arms to the inside of your thighs, and press your palms together in front of your heart. Lengthen the spine, sit up tall, and use your triceps to press your inner thighs back in space. Breathe deeply, and enjoy the stretch.