BEST STRETCHES FOR LONG DRIVES

STIFF NECK

To help alleviate a stiff neck caused by cramping start by sitting in a chair. Grab the right side of your seat with your right arm and straighten your arm out. Reach over your head with your left arm, aiming to touch the top of your right ear. Gently pull your head to the left, exhaling slowly and feeling the stretch in your neck. You should feel the stretch in the right side of your neck. Hold this stretch for fifteen seconds approximately. Then switch arms and repeat the stretch on the left side for the same amount of time.  

TENSE SHOULDERS

To relieve your aching shoulders, stand upright and clasp your hands behind your back. Slowly lift your clasped hands out and away from your body, stopping when you feel uncomfortable. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds and then release. 

STIFF LEGS

For this exercise you will stay seated. Sit on the edge of your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your knees bent, lift your right foot off the floor as if you are taking a large step and then hold this position for ten seconds approximately. Put your foot down and then repeat the same movements with your left foot. Repeat this stretch several times, alternating each foot each time. 

TIGHT HAMSTRINGS

Stand upright with your feet a slight distance apart. Keep your legs straight during this stretch. Clasp your hands behind your back, then bend over, tuck your chin, and bring your hands over your head. Your neck should be relaxed. Hold this position for thirty seconds before standing upright gradually again. If the stretch starts to feel uncomfortable, unclasp your hands, place them on the back of your knees and relax your knees.

SORE HIPS

Kneel on your right knee and extend your left leg at a 90-degree angle. Once in this position, push your pelvis forward gently until you feel the stretch in your hips. Maintain this stretch for fifteen seconds approximately. Remember to inhale and exhale deeply. 

ACHING WRISTS 

This is a simple one. Stretch your arms out in front of you. Roll your wrists in a clockwise direction a few times then roll in a counter clockwise direction. You can perform the same exercise for your ankles as well. 

TIRED ARMS

Stand upright and raise your arms above your head without lifting your heels. Raise your arms as far as you can and feel the stretch. Maintain this position for twenty seconds approximately and then release. 

STIFF BACK AND CHEST

Sit on the edge of your chair and keep your feet flat on the floor. Reach both hands behind your back, aiming to touch the middle of your back as comfortably as possible. Keep your hands in this position as you push your shoulders backwards and downwards. Hold this position for ten seconds approximately. Remember, during all of these stretches to breathe deeply and effectively and avoid raising your shoulders as you inhale! 

Do you have a helpful stretch for long drives? We’d love to hear them. Share those exercises below.