The "SIT 'n SIT" syndrome is getting worse with the road works on our roads. This drives us crazy, gets us agitated and is such a time waster BUT we could use this time to our benefit just as is suggested by airlines during long flights; we too could do some healthy exercising whilst sitting behind the wheel.
Spending a lot of time in a car while commuting can have a negative impact on our health and muscle tone. Doing some of the following means there is a better chance of arriving at our destination refreshed and toned. Just be careful and pay attention to the traffic and do not do the following while driving.
Exercises to do while whiling away the time in the car
Side twist: Sit upright and begin to tighten your abdominal area while keeping both feet on the floor and facing forward; start by twisting the upper body slightly to the left and then slightly to the right. This motion should be done as slowly as possible while continuing to face forward. Keep track of repetitions. Make sure that the abdominal muscles are contracted throughout the workout. Side twist may not give a perfect six-pack, but it will help shape and tone the core.
Tummy-toner one: Sit up straight in the seat in a normal driving position. Breathe in deeply into your lower abdomen. Now instead of exhaling, push the air up to your chest, filling your upper lungs. Now slowly exhale. You will feel your posture improve and get a big rush of energy by doing this exercise. Don't be surprised if you have to readjust your mirrors due to a higher seating position.
Tummy-toner two: Inhale normally, lean forward a bit, exhale normally but right at the end, blow out just a little more very quickly. Then sit up before the next inhale. As an alternative, try sitting up while making the extra exhale.
Scrunches: Grip the steering wheel tightly, hunch your shoulders up toward your ears, and scrunch up your face to exaggerate the feeling of tension in your body. Even curl your toes in and tighten your calves – squeeze everything you can possibly squeeze. Then with a big sigh, let every ounce of that effort go, and feel the tension being whisked out of your body. Then, like the shampoo bottle says, repeat as necessary.
Deer exercise: Most girls are familiar with the benefits of Kegel exercises. Squeeze your pubococcygeus or PC muscles while driving. Do these while driving to arrive toned and energetic. Guys get great benefits from these exercises as well.
Steering-wheel isometrics: Grasp the wheel firmly in both hands. Push in like you are trying to crush the wheel. Now lean forward and pull out like you are trying to stretch the wheel. Be sure NOT to do this exercise when actually driving. These exercises will help firm the chest and upper arm muscles.
Steering-wheel curls: Grip the wheel with both hands near the base of the wheel. Pull up and toward you. Don't pull too hard, as it is easy to damage the steering shaft this way. Just pull enough to flex your biceps and shoulders.
Stress reduction: If you are getting tired or stressed, try tapping your head. Use the fingertips of one hand to tap your head just above the hair line while you steer with the other hand. Tap firmly but not painfully. The object is to stimulate the blood flow in the scalp. Tap while saying to yourself, "I release this stress and I choose to relax and be happy in this moment."
Eye exercise: Nothing gets more stress while driving than your eyes. Blink often to keep them wet. Move them around while driving instead of staring straight ahead. Use a pattern like ahead, mirror, ahead, instruments, ahead, left, ahead, right, ahead, mirror, etc. When at a stop, take time to rub your eyes. Start by placing your index and middle fingers on the bridge of your nose then with firm and steady pressure move outward along the eyebrow and then down the cheekbone. Follow the cheekbone around to the nose and back up to the bridge. Never reverse the circle, as it will cause the tender skin under the eye to get stretched and look baggy.
Toe wiggling: While seated and operating foot controls, fluid stagnates in the feet. Wiggling your toes will help pump the fluid out of your feet and back where it belongs. Pay attention to the position of your toes while driving so that you do not keep your toes curled or extended for any length of time.
Blow off steam: You really need to be alone in the car for this one. If you're frustrated or anxious or stressed about anything, let it out by making a noise...scream, groan, sigh, or even whinny like a horse. There's no right way to do it. Just release whatever's bothering you so you can move on. Relish your time in the car, as the time you can make all these noises out of hearing distance of other people. Letting out a big ole roar is incredibly cathartic, if a little odd...just try it.
