VIRGIN ATLANTIC LAUNCHES NEW ONBOARD WORKOUT VIDEO

Virgin Atlantic today launched a new onboard workout video. It features exercises designed by chartered physiotherapist Jan Vickery, which aim to help passengers keep active during long haul flights. This isn’t the first time Virgin Atlantic has demonstrated at-seat exercises, the airline has had a health video on board for over two years.

The workout video will be shown from 1 August in all classes over Virgin Atlantic’s award winning Inflight Entertainment System as part of the Virgin Travel Channel. The Virgin Travel Channel also provides helpful advice and relaxation tips for nervous flyers and information on Virgin Atlantic’s destinations.

Fronted by TV presenter Dani Behr the video supports an advice leaflet given to passengers both when they book their flights with Virgin Atlantic and once they arrive at the airport. The leaflet and video explain to passengers the effects of flying long haul, reassuring them about the low level of risk to their health but also giving advice on the kind of pre-existing conditions that might mean passengers have to take extra care when travelling.

The video demonstrates a series of exercises which passengers can do in their seats at any time during the flight as well as others to do standing up if passengers decide to stretch their legs during the flight.

Dr Tony Goodwin, Virgin Atlantic’s Aviation Medical Adviser, said:

“Our main message is that for the vast majority of the millions of people who fly long haul every year there is no health risk whatsoever. It is well known that prolonged immobility can slow circulation and this can cause problems in a minority of people – sitting still for an extended period on a plane, train, bus or even your own armchair could cause problems. So we have devised a series of well thought out exercises to enable passengers to workout in the comfort of their seat.”

Captain Jason Holt, Virgin Atlantic’s Manager Safety Services, said:

“Some people have concerns about how safe it is to walk around an aircraft. Our advice is to stretch your legs by all means, but to only do so when the aisles are clear and the seat belt signs are off and to return to your seat immediately when asked to do so by a member of cabin crew.”