back against the wall, while placing your legs comfortable in front of you and bending your knees. Slide your back up and down the wall while maintaining your knees at approximately a 45 degree angle for ten reps.

For your  thighs, lie on your side, resting comfortably on your lower arm as you raise first one leg and then the other. Hold each life for a count of five for 10 reps then change sides. For your lower abdominal muscles (abs) and sides (obliques), lie on your back with arms extended at shoulder level, palms down. Slowly twist and lower legs to the right, hold for one count and bring legs to left and hold for one count. Do ten reps. Another move is to lie on your back with knees slightly bent and hands placed loosely behind your head. Lift shoulders while tightening abs for a total of twenty-five reps is possible or as many as you can. To work your abs and sides is to twist as you lift up and move your right elbow towards your left knee and alternate with your left elbow and your right knee. Of course, using the stairs instead of the elevator will also give you some exercise and many hotels have walking/jogging paths.

If you have a long airplane journey, it is very important to exercise to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that can form in your legs and move up to your heart. While seated, lift one leg and rotate your ankles for ten reps to the right and ten reps to the left. Bring your knees up to your chest, hold for a count of five and stretch out for ten reps each. Perform a scissor-type move with your legs, also while still seated for a count of ten reps each. All of these exercises will keep your circulation moving and prevent blood clots. When it is safe to stand or walk around, stretch your arms above your head while twisting your torso from side to side and when able, perform side stretches. Always try to perform some exercises while traveling or on vacation to keep limber, healthy and alert. You will tire much less easily and enjoy your trip much more.

Please let me know if trying these exercises while traveling helped and if you would like additional moves. Having made multiple trips to Europe, I rely on these exercises to stop my legs from hurting (I have arthritis) and also to prevent DVT.

If you have small children and would like to know how young is too young for exercise and weight lifting, use your child's desire, size and ability as a gauge. If he or she shows an interest, allow them to try some very

limited weights with your supervision and ensurance that they will not injure themselves. I am including some exercises performed by my five year-old grandson, Donovan, who also enjoys tennis, bicycle riding and swimming.

Please contact me at c1943x@comcast.net if you have specific questions.

Please click here  for additional information or if you would like to contact the author of this article, Penny Deutsch. Thank you!