Health Benefits of Riding a Hot Air Balloon

Yes, you read it right. Just when you thought that riding a hot air balloon is for pure fun only, think again. Perhaps, you are having seconds thoughts of going to the 2015 Hot Air Balloon Festival Pampanga. But after reading this, those second thoughts of yours will surely disappear.

Hot air ballooning is an immersive experience wherein the riders can get themselves involved in the entire experience. Some of the activities that any rider can join in are the inflating and deflating of the balloons. Blowing a hot air balloon is not easy, and what more when it comes to sending it skywards? Any help will be much appreciated by the administrator. In fact, by just helping out with these activities, you may burn up to 391 calories. Not bad, right?

Inflating the hot air balloon

Before the balloon soars up into the sky, lots of work should be done first. For instance, unpacking the balloon from its case is no easy task as well as rolling it out to the ground to its full length. Balloon passengers may help by unfolding the balloon envelope for it to form its full shape. Depending on the shape and weight of the balloon, about two to three people might be needed. They will hold open the balloon’s neck to position it to fill the balloon with air. Afterwards, the pilot will turn the burner on and heat up the air. The balloon will begin inflating.

Deflating the hot air balloon

Upon landing, the excess air must be squeezed out to get it ready for packing. Passengers are encouraged to roll on top of the balloon while letting it lay on the ground to let the excess air out. Importantly, all the air must be squeezed out so that the balloon will fold neatly inside the storing bag. These bags are usually small you might think that the balloon will never fit inside it. Folding it properly is the key. The truth is, it is so easy to underestimate how big a hot air balloon is especially if you only get to see them from afar. 

These two activities – inflating and deflating – require lots of energy. Participating in them is not a requirement, but highly encouraged. Ask any hot air balloon pilot, and he or she would certainly prefer the passengers to experience them so that they’d get a real feel of this mode of aviation.

While in the air

There are not much energy to use while up in the sky. This does not mean, however, that you are not getting any health benefits while adrift. Not true. The fresh air alone has immense benefits. For one, it improves any individual’s state of mind, leaving that individual less lethargic yet more energetic. The feeling of getting closer to the sky will also make you happier especially knowing that not all has the privilege of riding a hot air balloon and going that far.

Did you know that the amount of your happy hormone (scientifically known as serotonin) in the body is directly affected by the amount and quality of oxygen you inhale? Air quality is high in the sky, and such quality improves as you soar higher skywards. This is perhaps the reason those patients suffering from high blood pressure are encouraged to ride a hot air balloon every once in a while. In inhaling cleaner air, this means that your body need not work as hard for it to get the oxygen it actually needs.

A hot air balloon ride is not only an amazing experience waiting to happen. Aside from the magnificent view, it endows you with a gentle exercise and the fresh air that your body badly needs. So, a hot air balloon ride… anyone?

Image credit: Groupon.co.uk | TravelMuse.com | Flickr.com