You’ve settled into your seat, kicked off your shoes, and have a long flight ahead of you. The only question is: will your feet still fit into those shoes when you land? If you’ve ever struggled to slip your shoes back on after a flight, you’re not alone. Hours of sitting with very little movement can lead to swollen legs, ankles, and feet after the flight, leaving many travelers feeling uncomfortable by the time they arrive.
That’s why Corendon Airlines has partnered with international fitness instructor Noyan Dülek to create the Fit&Fly YouTube video series, aiming to make healthy living an integral part of the travel experience. Building on this idea, there are a few simple in-flight exercises you can do yourself to help keep your circulation going during the flight.
Why do we get swollen feet and legs during flights?
During long flights, your body is mostly in a seated position with very little movement, which slows down blood circulation—especially in the lower legs. Combined with cabin pressure and dry air, this can lead to fluid building up in your legs, ankles, and feet. The result is swelling, stiffness, and that familiar discomfort when you try to put your shoes back on. That’s why even small movements during a flight can make a big difference in preventing swelling and improving circulation.
Fit&Fly: In-Flight Exercises for Better Circulation
The Fit&Fly series by Corendon Airlines was developed in collaboration with international fitness instructor, AFAA Group Fitness representative, and founder of NO1 Lifestyle, Noyan Dülek. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the fitness industry and his academic background in sports science, Dülek created a set of exercises specifically designed for use inside the airplane cabin. Below you can see the Fit&Fly in-flight exercises in action. The video shows how simple seated movements can easily be done during a flight to help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and make the journey more comfortable.
The content focuses on a “7-minute seated circulation and posture exercise series,” made up of simple, safe, and effective movements that can easily be performed during a flight. Designed to counteract the effects of prolonged inactivity, the exercises aim to support circulation, reduce muscle tension, and help minimize post-flight fatigue.
Who is Noyan Dülek?
Noyan Dülek is an international fitness professional with a background in sports science and more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Over the years, he has worked across different areas of the fitness world, from performance coaching in professional sports environments to leadership roles in major fitness organizations in Turkey.
His work brings together training, performance, and modern fitness approaches, including breathwork and mental coaching. This combination has shaped a holistic view of wellbeing that goes beyond traditional exercise and focuses on sustainable, everyday movement and long-term health. Today, his focus lies on making fitness more accessible and practical — with simple methods that can easily be integrated into daily life, even in situations like air travel.
Below you can see the Fit&Fly in-flight exercises in action. The video shows how simple seated movements can easily be done during a flight to help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and make the journey more comfortable.
