Can You Do Exercises in the Car?
3 Answers
Instead of complaining and feeling frustrated during traffic jams, why not try some in-car exercises? Not only can they help alleviate anxiety, but they can also easily relieve neck and back fatigue and promote spinal health. Here are some specific exercises you can do: Stretch Your Back: Sit on the front third of the seat, leaning forward as much as possible. Hold the seatback with both hands, arch your upper body backward, pushing your chest forward and tilting your head upward at a 45-degree angle. Twist Your Waist: Sit on the front third of the seat, keeping your body upright and shoulders relaxed. Place your right hand on the steering wheel and wrap your left arm around the seatback. Use your waist to twist your body to the left, then switch directions and repeat. Wrist and Palm Press: Extend your right hand with the palm facing forward, and press the fingers of your right hand with the palm of your left hand. Apply inward pressure with your left hand while resisting with your right hand for 5–10 seconds. Switch hands and repeat the same motion, pressing the fingers of your left hand with your right hand.
You can indeed perform movements to relax your body in the car, but it must be done under appropriate circumstances. While driving, you must never make large movements, such as stretching your arms or bending down to pick something up, as this can easily distract you and cause an accident. I once saw a friend almost rear-end another car while reaching to adjust the air conditioning. After parking in a safe environment, such as a rest stop or your own garage, you can do small movements like stretching your legs or twisting your neck to help relieve driving fatigue. This is especially necessary for long-distance drivers to do some stretching regularly during breaks. Remember to ensure safety outside the car, avoid busy roads, and don’t let children play in a moving vehicle. Balance safety and comfort well, and as long as you pay attention to the timing, there won’t be any problems.
Of course, you can perform movements in the car, but the key is how to do it safely. It's best to maintain a stable posture while driving and avoid trying to twist your body or reach for items in the back seat to prevent accidental swerving or skidding. After parking, in a safe space like a parking lot, stretching or gently moving your shoulders is great—I do this daily during my commute to relax and relieve stress. The limited space inside the car means movements should be moderate to avoid damaging the interior. Additionally, during traffic jams or at red lights, you can rotate your ankles or rub your hands, but always keep your eyes on the road. These small movements can enhance driving comfort, but prioritizing safety is essential to enjoy driving long-term.
