Long car journeys might be a stylish alternative to crowded airports, but hours of sitting can leave your body feeling less than fabulous. Luckily, we’ve got a quick and easy stretching routine to keep you feeling refreshed and fabulous during those long road trips.
Target Areas: Back, chest, neck, shoulders, hip flexors, and hamstrings. What to wear: Your chic travel outfit and shoes. Where to stretch: Any pit stop or parking lot along your route
Extended car rides can cause your hip flexors and hamstrings to tighten, while poor posture may lead to aching in your chest, back, neck, and shoulders. But fear not fashionistas! Integrative physical therapist and registered yoga teacher Candace Harding has designed a simple four-move stretching routine to alleviate tension, increase blood flow, and get you moving.
Directions: Perform each move for the prescribed number of reps listed below. You can do these moves in any order, and feel free to repeat the sequence if it feels good. Remember, you don’t have to do all four stretches—pick and choose what works best for you!
- Standing Backbend with Cactus Arms
- Stand tall with feet hip-distance apart
- Inhale, extend both arms above your head and lean back slightly.
- Exhale, bend your arms into a cactus position and squeeze your shoulder blades together.
- Hold for five seconds
- Perform ten reps. This stretch opens up your upper back, chest, hip flexors, and the front of your shoulders.
- Standing Trunk Rotation
- Stand tall with feet hip-distance apart
- Inhale, reach your arms overhead
- Exhale, rotate your trunk and lower your arms.
- Hold for 3 to 5 seconds
- Return to the center and repeat on the other side.
- Perform five reps. This stretch opens up your chest, upper back, and hip flexors.
- Standing Cat-Cow
- Stand tall with feet hip-distance apart
- Bend your knees slightly and place your hands just above your knees
- Inhale, lift your gaze and let your low back sag.
- Hold for three seconds
- Exhale, round your back, and look toward the floor
- Hold for three seconds
- Perform 15 reps. This stretch brings mobility to your lower back.
- Squat to Hamstring Stretch
- Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart.
- Lower your hips into a squat and rest your elbows on your knees
- Inhale, hinge your hips and lengthen the back of your legs.
- Hold for 10 seconds
- Exhale, return to your squat and stand up straight.
- Perform ten reps. This stretch targets your hamstrings, providing dynamic movement to get your blood flowing.
Incorporate these simple stretches into your road trip itinerary and give your body the TLC it needs while staying fashionable on the go. Safe travels, and stay chic!
