Although many of us will have much different-looking holidays this season, some of us will still be hitting the road. If you've opted to avoid plane travel and a road trip is on your calendar, it's important to remember the effects sitting for long periods of time can have on the body.
"Muscles get tight thanks to prolonged time sitting, so whether you're behind a desk, in a car, or on an airplane, taking regular movement breaks can keep you feeling fresh in both body and mind," explained Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) and Director of Education for YogaSix, Kelly Turner. "When I'm stuck in a car for anything over an hour, I make sure to take time to stretch and release the muscles that tend to shorten or contract," she added.
Turner explained when she herself is taking a trip, she likes to focus on stretching the body from the ground up, meaning opening up the calves, quads and hip flexors, back, and then chest.
In addition to taking stretch breaks to ward off a stiff neck, back, or legs, breaks are the safest way to ensure mental freshness and stave off road fatigue. Try sticking to comfortable attire like leggings and hoodies such as the UA Rival Fleece Embroidered Hoodie ($54, originally $60) so when you do stop for breaks you're not restricted and can stretch freely.
If you're about to log some miles, try these expert-approved stretches to fight stiffness and feel refreshed.
To stretch the calves:
To stretch the quads and hip flexors:
To stretch the back:
To stretch the chest: