Car Exercises: Stay Fit While You Sit In Traffic

Using a car is often derided as being far less healthy than walking. There’s no doubt that this is absolutely true, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t use some of your time in the car to keep your body in good shape. If you’re stuck in a traffic jam, for example, don’t waste time getting frustrated or staring into space. Instead use the downtime in your commute to do some exercises to make sure you stay as healthy as possible.

There are three areas of your body that can be easily exercised while you are in the car. So here are the best ways that you can use your time in the car to stay in shape.

Neck exercises

• Turn your neck to one side and then hold it in place for five seconds. Do this five times, and then repeat for the other side of the neck.
• Sitting straight and upright, tilt your neck so that your ear is close to your shoulder. Hold this steady for five seconds and then release. Repeat this five times on both sides.

Back exercises

• In your normal seated position in the car, slowly move your bottom forward so as to form an arch in your back. Hold this position for five seconds and then slowly roll your back against the seat. Repeat this a few times.
• You can relieve numbness and lower-back pain by squeezing your gluteal muscles to activate the circulation.

Arm exercises

• Place your hands on the steering wheel at the nine and three o’clock position. Keeping your elbows straight, push and hold the wheel for five seconds. Repeat this four times and then change the position of your arms to the ten and two o’clock position.