Delta Airlines is launching a new wellness program for passengers in an effort to make jet lag less of a downer. The airline is partnering with luxury fitness company to create “Sweatlag,” which Delta describes as the first jet lag recovery workout. The announcement this week of the partnership goes hand in hand with Delta’s continued investment in west coast travel and the marketing of its new Airbus A350 which recently launched its first route from Las Angeles to Shanghai.
Starting on July 10th, the exercise series will be offered through mid-August. Passengers who want to partake can find the program at three locations near the Los Angeles International Airport. While as of now the program is limited to Los Angeles, passengers in other locations get on board by checking out the videos that Delta has posted on YouTube.
The class, offered once per week at each location, is not even restricted to Delta customers. The only criteria needed to join the free class is a recent boarding pass from any airline, a membership with their partner gym, or a Delta Skymiles pass.
What sets this workout apart from other programs is that it was designed by a trainer to include low-intensity exercises meant to reset circadian rhythms after a long flight.
Jet lag is particularly problematic for passengers traveling for business purposes, such as many of the passengers on the Las Angeles – Shanghai flight. As the body struggles to get used to the time change, travelers may experience common jet lag symptoms of exhaustion, insomnia, upset stomach, nausea and headaches, and clumsiness among other bothersome symptoms. Working out can help reset the internal body clock while offsetting many of the jet lag symptoms.
Business travelers are often making quick trips and can’t afford to spend time “recovering” from their jetlag when they are expected to be productive and working at a high level so soon after landing.
As there is a key connection between wellness and high business performance and lots of evidence showing that exercise can help workers function better and more productively, taking an exercise class after a long flight may be a smart move for business travelers. Even though many weary passengers may not be in the mood to work up a sweat after getting off the plane, the mounting evidence that exercise can help with both the jet lag and the work productivity is just too compelling not to give it a try.
