Skip to main content
The Web    CNN.com      Powered by
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SERVICES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SEARCH
Web CNN.com
powered by Yahoo!
Travel

Asiana-style aerobics in the air


story.asiana.afp.jpg
Asiana takes on-board exercise a step further.
ON CNNI TV
Click here  for Business Traveller show times on CNN International.
BUSINESS TRAVELLER
Are you an executive on the go? Click here for stories
YOUR SAY
Is the metrosexual male traveler on the rise? Have your say
YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS
Biz Traveller
Health
Airlines

(CNN) -- 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 Airlines' 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 leads 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 JetBlue has offered in-flight yoga, and more recently, Pilates.

CNN's Sohn Jie-Ae contributed to this report


Story Tools
Subscribe to Time for $1.99 cover
Top Stories
Motorcycles as works of art
Top Stories
CNN/Money: Security alert issued for 40 million credit cards
Search JobsMORE OPTIONS


 

International Edition
CNN TV CNN International Headline News Transcripts Advertise With Us About Us
SEARCH
   The Web    CNN.com     
Powered by
© 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us.
external link
All external sites will open in a new browser.
CNN.com does not endorse external sites.
 Premium content icon Denotes premium content.
Add RSS headlines.