PERSONAL HEALTH : Maybe It Should Be Called <i> Air</i> obics

Where can you get health food, exercise and stress-reducing therapies free?

At an altitude of 20,000 feet aboard British Airways.

Well, OK, it’s not exactly free. But for the price of your airline ticket, British Airways is now offering passengers much more than steaks, alcoholic drinks and in-flight movies. Called Well-Being in the Air, the airline has designed a health program to counter the effects of long-distance travel and high altitude, says John Story, executive vice president USA for British Airways.

Passengers can view a videotape of exercises to do in the air to improve circulation or listen to an audio channel that features a relaxation program. First-class passengers can opt for a relaxation video and receive an in-flight comfort kit that includes an eye compress, rehydrating gel and lip balm. Healthful meals and drinks are promoted.

“What passengers want from an airline,” says Story, “is an environment where they are comfortable enough to arrive in good shape--alert and focused, calm and relaxed.”

Now when have you ever left a flight in better shape than when you started?