Going on the road this Fourth of July Holiday? Traveling by car or going to the airport? Here are couple of thoughts to keep you physically energized, to help strengthen your body, and to provide you with some respite from boredom while you are “on the road”.
- If you are driving your car, hold the steering wheel with your hands at the 3 and 9 o’clock position, squeezing together from the outside of the steering wheel toward the center. Put some effort into it and hold it for about 10 to 12 seconds. Do the same trying to pull the steering wheel apart from the center. Don’t try to push the wheel away from you or pull it toward you. It’s best to do this while you are going straight. Yes, you can turn the wheel from this position. Do it a couple times per hour.
- If you are a passenger, sit up straight with your knees bent normally and grab your knees. Pull back hard on your knees without moving your arms or your legs. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Then, from the same position but with your hands on top of your knees, push down with your arms and try to lift up with your legs and hold for 10 to 12 seconds. You should feel strong pressure on your abdominal muscles. Do this a couple of times an hour.
- For both driver and passenger. Tighten all the muscles in your body for 5 seconds and then totally relax them. Do this several times in a row, every couple of hours.
- Move, stretch and squirm in the car as much as you can before you stop at a rest stop or reach the end of your trip. It will loosen you up a bit before you get out.
- Take a few deep breaths. Inhale quickly from your abdomen and exhale hard with a “whoosh”. That’s a great energizer.
- When you pull into a rest stop, look at all the people who move like they are 120 years old as they struggle out of their cars and move to the inside, and then be grateful that you did all of the above.
You can do them while you’re in an airplane or waiting at the airport, too.
If you’re staying at a hotel, get down on the floor and do a “plank” as soon as you finish lifting and carrying your bags in. The only parts of you touching the floor are your shoes, your elbows, forearms and hands. I understand that most modern hotels have bathrooms with a sink and some soap if you think the carpet is gross. You might also do some stretching before you take your nap.
If you’re visiting your kids or grandkids, make them carry in your bags.
Enjoy your Fourth of July. Thank you for reading.