Pilates, economy style

A long flight in economy class usually means cramped quarters and little room to exercise.
Even though the in-flight videos promote on-board exercises, many people sleep through them.
But on South Korea’s Asiana Airline’s long-haul flights things are a little different.
The carrier switches on the lights and turns on the speakers, the music starts playing and then the cabin crew lead the way into a short stretching program.
Asiana officials say this program is working and that the in-your-face type of approach to in-flight exercises gets the passengers moving.
Airline experts believe that regular physical activity, especially on long flights, can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT, also known as, “economy class syndrome,” is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It can lead to complications if it breaks off and travels in the bloodstream to the lungs.
When the clock hits the ten-hour mark, the program commences. While some passengers are enthusiastic, others make excuses not to join in.
“When I follow the exercises I feel better, and it lifts my spirits,” Ahn Si, a 70-year-old, traveling with his grandchildren told CNN.
One businessman from Portland, Oregon agreed there were more people on this flight following along than he has seen before.
And there is one secret to getting the male passengers to participate.
“As you can see, we have beautiful flight attendants leading the way, so we get a lot of cooperation,” said one Asiana flight attendant.
Other airlines are now following Asiana’s lead in the exercise arena. Song, the new U.S. low-cost flyer from Delta, is soon to launch its new in-flight workout program.
For the past several months Jet Blue has offered in-flight yoga, and more recently, Pilates.