Exercise at airport helps prevent clots

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SAN DIEGO, March 2 (UPI) -- Fitness experts suggest people traveling by pane for spring break should get in a quick workout at the airport or while on the plane to prevent blood clots.

Anthony Wall, director of professional education with the American Council on Exercise, says travelers can help prevent blood clots and jet lag with relatively simple exercises:

-- Don't just sit there. Move around before boarding. It will make you feel better in the long run, and also help limit your risk of air-related health problems, including blood clots and jet lag. Walk around the terminal and sneak in some exercises if you can.

-- Take advantage of what you have with you -- your carry-on bag. Instead of wheeling it down the terminal, carry it as you walk to add some extra resistance. The average bag weighs approximately 8 pounds, and that's without all of your belongings inside.

-- Before leaving for the airport, research to see if it has exercise facilities, including walking paths and even yoga rooms, on-site. Some airport hotels will let you use their gyms by purchasing a day pass.

-- Keep moving even when you're 30,000 feet up. Pick an aisle seat, so you can easily get up and move about the cabin and engage in simple stretching moves to keep your blood flowing -- in your seat or in the back of the plane.

-- Work on your lower body by doing ankle rolls, toe taps and mini calf raises and keep your upper body loose with arm, shoulder and neck stretches.