Embracing Yoga and Pilates to Ward off Stiffness
Fighter pilots are usually associated with dogfighting not downward facing dog.
But at Australia’s main air operating base in the Middle East the crews flying sorties over Iraq and Syria targeting Islamic State (Daesh) are embracing yoga and Pilates to ward off stiffness.
It’s a long day and gruelling work – up to 10 hours of flying time as well as several hours of pre and post flight briefings.
The Super Hornet crews – a pilot and weapons systems officer – are strapped in tightly to ejection seats, while wearing at least 20 kilograms of gear.
Over desert coloured flight suits they wear “G suits”, torso harnesses, survival vests kitted out with first aid kits, pistols, radios, camel backs, flares as well as a heavy helmet with display unit.
Yoga has become popular with crew members.
“I try to get to a yoga session when I can to do some stretching and recovery work.” Air force finding zen on battle sidelines | SBS News