Exercises To Do When You’re Stuck In Bad Traffic

Kids are back to school and adults are back to work. The traffic is not getting any better too with the infamous traffic jams are back. Regardless if we travel for work or for pleasure, we all have a routine things to do in the car. A lot of us just tune in to the radio hoping to listen to songs… But all you get are advertisement after advertisements. *Whispers* Yuuusoooof Taaaayuuuub. Or you just get updates after updates on the traffic conditions around KL – which isn’t really helpful.

Some of us resort to smoking to kill some time… Yup got it! No need for that same old lecture about the harms of smoking. But your car is gonna stink!

HERE’S A WAY OUT. DO SOME EXERCISE!

1. START AT THE TOP

First thing first, get your posture checked. More often than not, you will find yourself slouching. Sit up straight! Then move your neck to like illustrated above. Hold each position for 5 seconds each. Do this exercise only when you stop for a break. Duh.

2. MOVE DOWN THE SHOULDER

Do this simple technique when you’re waiting at the traffic or lights or the traffic is at a total stop. Raise and bend your arm, your hand should touch the top of your seat while keep the elbow bent. Then slowly, being your elbow in front and then push it back while keeping your hand on top of the seat. Repeat 15 times and change arms from right to left or vice versa. Remember to keep an eye on the traffic – you don’t want to hold anyone up.

3. WORK THAT TRUNK MUSCLES

  While sitting straight upright, twist your trunk to the right side. Hold this position for 5 seconds, then release and rest briefly. Repeat 5 times to the right, then repeat the movement 5 times to the left. You will feel your trunk muscles and lower back loosening while you hold this stretch.

4. FINALLY, GET THE BACK MUSCLES SOME ACTION

While sitting up straight and keeping your lower back slightly arched, tighten your abdominal muscles while you exhale slowly. Pull your lower abdominal muscles in toward your spine. While keeping the abdominals tightened, breathe in and out normally for about 10 seconds. Release and relax. Repeat this process 5 times to relax your lower back muscles. While sitting in the driver’s seat, squeeze the gluteal muscles (buttocks) and hold the position for 5 seconds. Release and rest. Repeat 5 times. This movement will help to increase circulation to the area, which can become numb or even painful during long sitting periods.

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Always keep your attention on the road. No exercise is worth risking your safety. Please make sure that you are stationary before attempting any of the exercises.  Car breakdown? Think CARPUT! Download the CARPUT app today for car battery change, jumpstarts, towing, flat tyre help and emergency petrol delivery!