Cabin Crew Health and Fitness

You’ll be on your feet and active for long periods of time, especially on long-haul flights.

You’ll also be constantly bending, stretching and balancing in an enclosed and often fairly cramped space.

It’s never too early to start taking an interest in your health and fitness!
 

Good Fitness Habits

Perhaps you could choose subjects such as physical education or nutrition if you’re still at school or college, and in a position to do this.

You could also join a gym or sports centre. This can seem like an expensive option but many places now offer monthly ‘deals’ that include unlimited classes and use of the equipment – these can actually turn out to be good value depending on your interests.

Many leisure centres offer free or discounted ‘taster’ sessions for you to try – why not check them out!

There are also fantastic free initiatives like our Parks in place all over the UK, where you can join in with a multitude of different classes being run near you.

If you prefer to get fit in the comfort of your home there are a huge amount of videos and tutorials on the internet – you can download paid fitness videos or check out some great free ones on sites like YouTube.

You can also download some fantastic apps where you can track your progress and chat with similar minded people in group forums. This is a great source of motivation and support!

Running, walking and hiking are free, healthy ways to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Your local park may have the popular Parkrun events scheduled – a free, fun 5K where you’re able to go at your own pace in a friendly and non-competitive environment.
 

Stretching and flexibility

Posture and flexibility, as well as balance and co-ordination, are very important for cabin crew.

Building strength and skills in these areas will help you get through some areas of your training, like the all important cabin crew reach test.

Yoga and Pilates are great for this, and again there are hundreds of resources and apps available online.

You can also search for classes running near you – there are so many options and there really is a type of yoga for everyone!

The medative qualities of this type of exercise can also be a great help in balancing the stresses of your hectic cabin crew life.
 

Swimming

Being able to swim is a pre-requisite for the majority of Cabin Crew positions – the most common requirement being the ability to swim at least 25 metres without the aid of a flotation device.

If you can’t swim and want to become crew then you really do need to learn!

Your local pool will have classes to suit all ages and abilities, and may offer free trial sessions too.

If you want to improve in your swimming but think it may put you out of pocket then check out your local council or leisure centre website.

There are often initiatives in place for teenagers or people who fall below a certain income threshold, where you can go along to use the pool at certain times for free!
 

Nutrition

The long and anti social shifts cabin crew sometimes work, along with the occasional lack of sleep can wreak havoc with your immune system.

The air conditions in the cabin can also make you more prone to picking up bugs, especially when you’re in constant contact with passengers.

Therefore it’s really important that you try your best as a member of crew to eat as healthy and balanced a diet as possible.

Try to avoid processed foods and alcohol as much as possible, and drink plenty of water – if you’re dehydrated you can go from feeling fine to feeling absolutely awful very quickly!

Again there is a wealth of information and diet advice available online, and apps to help you plan meals, shopping lists and keep track of what you’re eating.

The best crew members know that to perform at their best and provide constantly excellent service you need to priortise yourself and your health!

The benefits aren’t just to how you perform in your job as crew though – they go much further.