3 Exercises You Can Do in Your Car

It’s no secret that exercise is vital. But it seems as though many people don’t get nearly enough.

According to experts, adults need no less than 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly or no less than 75 minutes of robust aerobic activity weekly. 

You can get the physical activity you need to stay fit in many ways. And it doesn’t have to be limited to a gym at home or elsewhere. If you drive a lot as part of your job or on road trips often, you can find ways to squeeze in some exercise right inside the car.

So, while it’s advisable to get out of the car every couple of hours to walk, stretch, and take a breather, you can do some of your exercise regimen in the driver or passenger seat.

Here’s a look at three exercises you can do seated in a car. You’ll have no excuse not to exercise. 

1. Tricep Pushes

Your triceps are among your body’s largest muscle groups. It has three parts, and its primary duty is to extend your elbow. That means your triceps are critical when engaging in pressing or pushing activities.

If you’re behind the steering wheel, parked, and taking a break, do triceps pushes. 

1. Grip the steering wheel with both hands in the 10 and 2 positions. Ensure your elbows are bent and loose.
2. Straighten your elbows while pushing against the steering wheel so that your back is pushed into the driver’s seat.
3. Repeat for as many repetitions as you desire.

But don’t just let the driver have all the fun. You can do triceps pushes as a passenger, too.

1. Sit upright with your feet planted flat against the floor.
2. Place your hands by your hips flat on your seat and ensure your elbows are bent.
3. Straighten your elbows to elevate your rear end off the seat.
4. Repeat to achieve as many repetitions as you want.

2. Calf Raises

Another exercise you can do in your car includes calf raises. You’ll find them easy to do.

1. Plant your feet flat against the floor.
2. Put a towel beneath the ball of the foot of the leg you want to stretch.
3. Grip the ends of the towel in both your hands and straighten your leg out as far as you can. Keep your heel on the floor. 
4. Pull on the towel so your toes rise toward you. By so doing, you should feel your calf muscle stretch.

NOTE: You’ll need space to stretch your leg. If you’re in the front seat, push your seat as far back as possible.

3. Seated Side Bend

Yet another exercise to do in a car is the seated side bend. 

1. Sit up straight while your hands are behind your head and your fingers are clasped.
2. Bend to the right while you keep your spine erect. You can maximize the stretch by bending as far as you can.
3. After holding the bending position for a short period, return to a neutral position.
4. Repeat the above steps while bending in the opposite direction.
5. Do as many repetitions as you want.

These are a few exercises you can do if you do a lot of driving and want to sneak in some exercise. You’ll want to be safely parked when doing in-car exercises. The last thing you need is to put yourself and others at risk by attempting any of these exercises while driving.

If you rack up a lot of miles every year behind the while for work or pleasure, you’ve seen a lot of questionable behavior by other drivers. If you’re ever involved in an accident on the road, consult with a personal injury lawyer. That’s especially true if you’re hurt. A vehicle mishap can result in a serious injury that takes months or years to heal, so getting legal counsel makes sense.