Best 5 Ways to Stretch After a Long Travel Day
Ever notice how you feel like a pretzel after a long travel day? Hours spent sitting in the same position on long drives can leave your muscles achy and fatigued, feel tighter. Unless you take time to stretch, tight muscles can slow down your circulation, leading to numbness and tingling in your limbs.
After sitting for hours, your muscles can get stuck in a shortened position. Stretching helps loosen them up, increasing blood flow and oxygen to those neglected areas.
Think of your body like a rubber band. The more you stretch it, the more flexible it becomes. Stretching helps alleviate that post-driving soreness by releasing tension and promoting muscle recovery.
Stretching after a long travel day also gets your blood pumping again, delivering much-needed nutrients and oxygen to your hardworking muscles and releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that can help lift your spirits and shake off any travel-related stress or fatigue.
Shake off that stiffness and unwind after a long travel day with some post-driving stretches! (Audio instruction included.)
- Standing Forward Bend: Stand up straight, then slowly bend forward from your hips, keeping your knees slightly bent. Let your upper body hang loose, and feel the stretch in your hamstrings and lower back. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then slowly roll back up.
- Seated Spinal Twist: Take a seat on the ground or in a chair. Cross one leg over the other, placing the opposite elbow on the outside of the crossed knee. Gently twist your torso towards the crossed knee, looking over your shoulder. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.
- Quad Stretch: Stand up straight, and bring one heel towards your buttocks, grabbing the ankle with your hand. Keep your knees close together and your thighs aligned. Feel the stretch in the front of your thigh. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
- Chest Opener: Find a doorway and place your forearms on either side of the frame. Step forward with one foot, allowing your chest to open up and stretch. You should feel a gentle stretch across your chest and shoulders. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
- Neck Rolls: Sit or stand comfortably, and slowly roll your head in a circular motion, first in one direction and then the other. Be gentle and don’t force the movement. This helps release tension in your neck and shoulders.
Remember to breathe deeply and never push yourself too hard. These stretches should feel good, not painful.
Next time you roll into your destination after a marathon drive, take a few minutes to stretch it out. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be ready to tackle whatever adventures await you!
For other physical activity and fitness support for RV living go to healthyrving.com. eBooks and freebies available at our Healthy U Bookstore.