The Best Exercises for a Long Road Trip

If you are driving or even riding in the car for hours on end, your body desperately craves some exercise even if you might not realise. Staying active and keeping up with your fitness routine on vacation used to be a challenge. However, today it is actually relatively simple.

Most hotels and resorts have top-notch fitness equipment. Sometimes it is even better than the equipment your local fitness centre has! But make no mistake, even if you’re staying at an Airbnb or even a tent, there are quick and easy exercises that you can do to keep your body in top shape through your long road trip-don’t use not having a gym at your disposal as an excuse!

Of course, when you’re busy exploring a new place or relaxing, exercise might be the furthest thing from your mind. So what you really need to do, is just make the time for it. However, after being stuck in a car all day on a road trip the thought of exercise might not be so bad. Long road trips can be quite strenuous on your body. From cramped legs to tired back muscles, sitting in a car on a road trip can take its toll.

Below are four activities that don’t require access to a gym or a personal trainer near me or you, and can help you kick-start your body after a long road trip. For a comprehensive workout repeat each of these exercises in a circuit 3 times.

Stretch It All Out

Stand tall, plant your feet firmly on the ground and take a big breath. Then stretch your arms nice and tall, reaching for the sky when you breathe in. When you exhale after this, release your hands back to your sides. Repeat this 3-5 times. Make each breath deeper and more invigorating than the last.

Quad Stretch

Stand straight shift your weight to one leg. Then bend your other leg so that your toes are by your gluteal muscles. For a deeper stretch hold onto your foot here. Hold this for 3 to 5 breaths and then repeat on the other side.

Squats

There’s nothing like squats to activate your gluteal muscles. After sitting in a car all day they can start feeling a little numb so there is really nothing better. To squat firmly plant your feet on the ground and then hover in a sitting position (without actually sitting on a chair). Then straighten your legs again.

Forward Fold

A forward fold is more or less the act of reaching to the ground and touching your toes. This can help stretch out the muscles in your legs after they were so cramped in the car. If you can’t touch your toes with straight legs don’t worry, it is okay to bend your knees a bit here.

Straight forward Meditation

A simple meditation is also a great way to refocus after a car ride. Stand tall, with your hands next to your sides or in the shape of prayer hands by your heart. Then focus on your breath. Spend as much time here as your road trip schedule will permit.

By following these simple steps you’ll be able to stay active while you are on a road trip. That way when you get home and meet up with your personal trainer you won’t be behind on your fitness routine.