Posted on January 8, 2008 in Fitness Trends
One significant outcome of leading busy lives is the absence of activity and exercise. Studies show that exercise and physical activity helps in keeping the body and organs healthy and moving. Discover ways to exercise in the middle of heavy traffic, in your car, in the article below.
It may sound silly but exercises that you can do in your car can help burn calories and reduce joint stiffness. The average time limit for a red signal in traffic is about one minute. Discover ways to utilize this time instead of getting bored or having to stare at the signal to change with exercise.
Types of exercises you can do in your car:
Some common exercises suggested by experts include the following:
Carlates or Pilates
Few exercises you can do in your car include Carlates which in many ways is similar to Pilates. Carlates are especially recommended when the traffic halts for about ten minutes before an opening or closing bridge.
Enter and Exit your Car
If you are finding it hard to enter or exit from the car door this is where you need to start. Entering and exiting from your car door is often referred to as the “functional exercise”. Functional exercises help to manage the things you are struggling with in order to improve your quality of life.
Practicing getting in and out of the car can be a difficult task for an obese person. On the contrary, it increases the strength and agility of muscles and joints. For example, move one leg out at a time then push yourself out with the help of your hands. Do not take any support from back rest or doors of the car. Repeat this exercise by sitting back into the car seat.
Other exercises you can do in your car:
Some other exercises you can do in your car include the following:
- Work on your abdominal muscles by holding it in for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Glutes, also known as the gluteus maximus, are the muscles on the backside. Their function is to pull the thigh bone up to the back and support the pelvis. Squeeze the two alternately and hold for 5 seconds each. Repeat this exercise 10-12 times for reducing stiffness and pain.
- Place one hand behind your seat’s head rest. Then try pulling your arm closer to your head. Feel the stretch on your biceps for effective results.
- Lift your shoulders up and hold for 8 to 10 seconds and then lower it.
- Rotate your neck.
- Place a cushion at the back of your knees and squeeze or fold your legs.
- Place an object on the car floor and try lifting it up with your toes.
- Lift or rotate your toes for ten seconds then relax.
- Hold the handles above the sides of the windows and prepare to lift yourself from the seat. Hold for ten seconds then relax.
Working on the abdominal muscles requires the least effort. Entering in and out of the car can also help reduce joint stiffness and calories to considerable extents. Discuss the effectiveness of an exercise technique with a professional therapist and engage in fruitful exercises in your car.
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