Stretching Out on a Road Trip

Summer is the season for adventures with friends! One of our favorite ways to explore is to go on a road trip. There's nothing better than hitting the road with great tunes, great friends and the windows down. After a few hours of sitting in the car, though, your body can start to get a little bit tight. In these times, find a nice place to pull the car off the road, and try a few of these stretches to keep your body limber and ready to adventure when you reach your destination.

Neck Stretch

Find a comfortable seated position, and stack your shoulders over your hips. Bring your right hand to the crown of your head, and use gentle pressure as your drop you right ear to your right shoulder. Hold for three breaths, then repeat on the left side.

Wide-legged Forward Fold with Chest Expansion

Step your feet apart wide and parallel to each other, then clasp your palms together at your low back. Hinge forward at your hips, letting your head hang heavy. As you hinge forward, reach your arms forward in the direction of your head. Stay here for three full breaths.

Standing Crescent Moon

Start in tadasana, and lift your arms toward the sky with your palms facing in. Grasp your left wrist with your right hand, and hinge gently to the right to release tension in your side body. Lift slowly to center, and switch your grip to hold your right wrist with your left hand. Repeat on the left side. Hold for three breaths on each side.

Shoulder Stretch

Stand facing your car, and place your palms at the top of the car, above your windows. Slowly take two steps back, and hinge forward at the waist while pressing your palms into the car. Hold for three breaths.

Figure Four

Start in chair pose with your feet together, hips back and arms reaching toward the sky. Shift your weight into your heels, and lift your right knee up. Place your left ankle on your right thigh, and bring your hands to heart center. If it feels good in your hips, sit a little bit deeper and hold for 3 breaths. Slowly unwind, and place your right foot back on the ground. Repeat on the left side.

Hamstring Stretch

Lift your right foot, and gently place it on the front of your car, or on a bench. Maintaining a flat back, reach your arms foward to capture your foot. Stay here for three breaths, then bring your right foot back to the ground and repeat on the left side.

Don't Forget Cardio!

It's important to keep the blood flowing when you've been sitting for a long time. Try a few jumping jacks and a few butt-kickers to get your heart rate up a little bit.