Long road trips can put a lot of strain on your body. Luckily, there are exercises you can do while riding (or driving), so you don't feel too tired or tense when you get to your destination. The most important thing you can do is stop and stretch your muscles every two to three hours to relieve tension and keep your blood circulating. Work these stops into your driving plan by visiting InterstateRestAreas.com. You can search by state or highway to find the exits where rest stops are located along your route. Read on to find tips for small adjustments you can make in the car and essential stretches to do outside of the car, so those long hours spent on the road are as easy as possible.
For a Comfy Ride:
1. Bring your seat close to the steering wheel in order to minimize how far you have to reach for it.
2. If you are traveling for long periods of time, make sure you make slight, but frequent adjustments in your seat's position. If you keep your spine in one position for a long period of time, it can cause pain.
3. Remember to adjust your posture from time to time. Wait until driving conditions are suitable to allow you to wriggle in the seat to alleviate postural fatigue.
4. You can choose a variety of car seat accessories that may improve seat comfort for you, from fleece covers that soften the seat to backrests that provide a massage while you drive.
Blood Circulation Exercises:
1.Contract your abs by pulling the belly button towards the spine without holding your breath. Hold for two seconds, release and repeat 16 times.
2. Place a pillow or towel between the knees and squeeze. Hold for two seconds, then release slightly. Repeat 15 times.
3. Hold a pillow between hands at chest level (or just press palms together) and squeeze for two seconds, release and repeat 15 reps.
4. Place palms on the ceiling of the car, shoulder-width apart. Press into the roof for two seconds, then release. Repeat for 16 reps.
Outside of the Car Exercises:
1. Reach your arms above your head toward the sky without lifting your heels. Hold for 20 seconds and release. Repeat as necessary.
2. Take a five minute walk around the area to stretch out the leg muscles and get your blood circulating throughout your body.
3. To stretch your neck, gently bend your head backward so that your eyes are looking upward. Stop when you feel the stretch and hold for 20 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat five times
4. To relieve and stretch out the shoulders, clasp your hands behind your lower back, keeping an upright posture. Lift your clasped hands out and away from the body and stop when you start to feel a little discomfort. Hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds and then release.
