How to exercise in your car

You might think it’s not possible to exercise in your car, but believe me it is… with this simple exercise routine you could be reducing stiffness in your joints, un-numbing your bum, enjoying your motorway journey or simply relieving boredom in the rushhour traffic.

Exercises:

·   Squeeze and release: the most common exercises that can easily be done in the car are called isometric contractions. They involve squeezing or activating your muscle, holding the contraction for a few seconds, then release.

·   Release tension in your neck and shoulders with shoulder shrugs. Lift your shoulders up toward your ears, hold for 8 to 10 seconds, and lower. Repeat.

·   Keep your bum from getting numb by squeezing your gluteal muscles, hold for a count of 10, then relax. Repeat.

 ·   Strengthen your inner thighs. Place a small pillow between your feet. Try to lift the item off the ground and squeeze your legs together at the same time. You can also place the pillow or other soft object between your knees and squeeze.

·   Toe raises will help work the muscles on the front of your shins. Lift toes, hold 10 seconds, relax and repeat.

·   Place a bag or stack of magazines on your lap to perform heel raises. Lift heels, hold for 8-10 seconds. Relax then repeat.

·   Hold onto the handle above window and engage the biceps as though you're going to pull yourself out of your seat. Hold for 8-10 seconds, then relax. Switch seats, if possible, after a rest stop to work the other arm.

·   Squeeze your abdominal muscles as though you're trying to touch your ribs to your stomach, then release and sit up tall.

Tips & Warnings

·  Remember that any activity can help burn calories and recharge you. It's not necessary to do all of the exercises to reap benefits.

·  Be sure to keep your seat belt fastened at all times.

·  Most exercises should not really be performed while driving, that would be a bit daft.

·  If you're a passenger, be sure your movements don't interfere with the driver or the driver's visibility.