How to Exercise in Your Car

You may think it's impossible or even silly to try to work out in your car, but a few simple exercises can help you burn calories, reduce stiffness in your joints, and may even have you laughing your way along the highway.

Instructions

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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 buckled at all times.

• Most exercises should not be performed while driving.

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