I do a version of this on road trips as well…I add in ankle bounding hops, and deep knee bend squats, and good morning style hip hinges and elephant walks
Great advice. I keep a super band resistance band and a stick mobility roller massager in the cab of the truck. Also having our dog on the trip encourages more frequent stops and walking.
I've been advocating for fitness stations at Rest Stops for years! Although, it would normalize my fitness activities and likely reduce the anxiousness it creates on my children when they worry about "the old man" embarrassing them . This is a solid routine, although I might suggest adding a Goblet Squat. Thanks for sharing!
We are going on a 17-19 hr trip (straight one way) next week and I am planning to take my rope for Rope Flow and get some movement practice in on our breaks. Definitely need to not waste the time at the charging stations!
I coincidentally recently posted my go-to physical routine that I do before any type of physical exertion but also to help create energy. What I love about a physical routine is its impact to wake me up and get me dialed in which is especially important on long car rides. Dynamic stretches and movements like jumping jack variations are my personal favorites as they aren’t to challenging but add plyometric benefits in to stimulate the nervous system and get the heart rate up a little bit.
These are great. And for DVT prevention on long flights I do leg flexing and soleus pushups (SPU), both while seated. Info on the former at airhealth dot org. Interesting that "athletic training, especially training for endurance-type sports like marathons" is a risk factor for DVT.
Yes to the stretches on road trips! And throughout the work day! I like to do hip flexor stretches and the deep squat yoga pose (I think it's called malasana).
these are great, thanks! i will also attempt to add a modified version of a favorite stretch that i learned from you yearsss ago (office pigeon pose) if i see a bench, ledge or fence at the rest stop (although doing the real deal on grass isn’t beneath me, really)
Bob Dylan's version! I love this post, going to put a cheat sheet in my car for reminder, I am a relatively fit 55 year old woman who morphs into a 90 year old in need of a walker at gas stations on road trips. Also, I am usually accompanied by my dancing bear belt wearing husband (who at 60 still plays soccer), he is Team Jerry Garcia for sure. Now we can liven up the trip with a debate on Bob or Jerry while trying not to scare locals with weird mobility moves.
I love the idea of having a cheat sheet in your car! Please let your husband know that I am with him on team Jerry, although I understand and love team Dylan. :)
One of the gifts of driving an electric car is that on road trips you have to stop for extended periods to charge up. I usually walk but will definitely add in some stretching. A stretch that is my go to is to clasp hands behind the back, bend knees deeply then bring the arms up and breathe deeply. Thanks Michael
I know where you are coming from, being a farmer, we sit on tractors day in and day out. being the old guy I am, I do stop and get off, walk around., and do what ever. Mornings, seem to be stiff city, not complaing, part of the deal. Peter.
I do a version of this on road trips as well…I add in ankle bounding hops, and deep knee bend squats, and good morning style hip hinges and elephant walks
Great stuff!
Great list and I would add the "Piriformis Push Up" done using the hood or some other surface of your vehicle!
Great advice. I keep a super band resistance band and a stick mobility roller massager in the cab of the truck. Also having our dog on the trip encourages more frequent stops and walking.
So true! My wife never wants to stop but if I say “Honey we should let the dog out first a bit” she’ll get off the road in a heartbeat!
I've been advocating for fitness stations at Rest Stops for years! Although, it would normalize my fitness activities and likely reduce the anxiousness it creates on my children when they worry about "the old man" embarrassing them . This is a solid routine, although I might suggest adding a Goblet Squat. Thanks for sharing!
We are going on a 17-19 hr trip (straight one way) next week and I am planning to take my rope for Rope Flow and get some movement practice in on our breaks. Definitely need to not waste the time at the charging stations!
I coincidentally recently posted my go-to physical routine that I do before any type of physical exertion but also to help create energy. What I love about a physical routine is its impact to wake me up and get me dialed in which is especially important on long car rides. Dynamic stretches and movements like jumping jack variations are my personal favorites as they aren’t to challenging but add plyometric benefits in to stimulate the nervous system and get the heart rate up a little bit.
These are great. And for DVT prevention on long flights I do leg flexing and soleus pushups (SPU), both while seated. Info on the former at airhealth dot org. Interesting that "athletic training, especially training for endurance-type sports like marathons" is a risk factor for DVT.
Yes—I am a runner and got a DVT after an ankle injury. I thought I was too healthy to get a DVT, but I was wrong.
Yes to the stretches on road trips! And throughout the work day! I like to do hip flexor stretches and the deep squat yoga pose (I think it's called malasana).
these are great, thanks! i will also attempt to add a modified version of a favorite stretch that i learned from you yearsss ago (office pigeon pose) if i see a bench, ledge or fence at the rest stop (although doing the real deal on grass isn’t beneath me, really)
For sure doing these on my way home to Nova Scotia tomorrow! Thanks, Michael!
Hope you enjoy your time away!
Enjoy your trip back home!
Your dogs are so cute! I wish I had done these on a recent road trip from Tucson to Flagstaff. I always do calf pumps on long car rides.
They're the best. :)
Jeff Tweedy's version of a Simple Twist of Fate !
Thanks for sharing !! Gonna try to make this a habit !!
Bob Dylan's version! I love this post, going to put a cheat sheet in my car for reminder, I am a relatively fit 55 year old woman who morphs into a 90 year old in need of a walker at gas stations on road trips. Also, I am usually accompanied by my dancing bear belt wearing husband (who at 60 still plays soccer), he is Team Jerry Garcia for sure. Now we can liven up the trip with a debate on Bob or Jerry while trying not to scare locals with weird mobility moves.
I love the idea of having a cheat sheet in your car! Please let your husband know that I am with him on team Jerry, although I understand and love team Dylan. :)
One of the gifts of driving an electric car is that on road trips you have to stop for extended periods to charge up. I usually walk but will definitely add in some stretching. A stretch that is my go to is to clasp hands behind the back, bend knees deeply then bring the arms up and breathe deeply. Thanks Michael
Great tip! Thanks!
Wasn't on a road trip but did squats while getting gas
I know where you are coming from, being a farmer, we sit on tractors day in and day out. being the old guy I am, I do stop and get off, walk around., and do what ever. Mornings, seem to be stiff city, not complaing, part of the deal. Peter.
I love this part of your comment: "not complaining, part of the deal"
I do think some level of aches/stiffness/etc is part of life. Using it as a cue to move more is a healthy way to approach it.