Fitness
Park and pose.
But thats where car yoga poses come in to help sort things out.
Here are 11 car yoga poses to try on your next road trip, courtesy of the pros.
Not only is this move extra-calming, but it also provides a nice, deepstretch for tight hamstringsand calves.
Stand tall and exhale as you bend forward at the hips.
Bend your arms and hold onto each elbow with the opposite hand.
- Breathe and stay in this position for a few moments.
Sway around in a way that feels good.
- Slowly raise back up one vertebrae at a time as you return to stand.
Once youre upright, roll your shoulders up, back, and down.
Hold the stretch.
Roll your head gently forward and drop your chin toward your chest.
Finish by gently dropping your left ear to your left shoulder.
Repeat an equal number of rolls on both sides.
Stand up tall with your feet together.
Take a deep breath, slowly raise one foot off the floor.
Place the bottom of your foot on your opposite calf or inner thigh.
Steady yourself by focusing on a stationary object.
Reach your arms up to the sky.
Hold for a few breaths then repeat on the other side.
Inhale as you push your lower back forward and roll your shoulders back.
Bring your head up and back for cow.
Exhale and curl your core inward, arch your spine, and roll your head down for cat.
Feel a stretch in your upper and lower back.
- Repeat several times.
Not only does it open your hips, but it also wakes up your shoulders andhelps with digestion.
- Scooch forward and sit on the edge of your car seat.
Spread your knees wide and point your toes in the direction of your knees.
Bring your hands to your chest.
Press into your palms.
Press your elbows into your inner knees.
Hold 30 seconds.
Reach both arms out in front of you.
Wrap your left arm over your right, crossing the left elbow over the right upper arm.
Place the back of hands or palms together.
If that feels too intense, bring your hands to your shoulders and give yourself a big hug.
- Hold for a few breaths and repeat with your right arm on top.
Wrist Rotations
Tosoothe tight wrists, Skinner and Proctor recommend doing a few wrist rotations.
Gently roll your wrists in small circles.
Go in one direction for a few rotations, then reverse.
Supported Wrist Stretch
Asupported wrist stretchcan also come in clutch no pun intended.
Reach your arms forward.
Use one hand to gently bend back the fingers of the other hand.
Feel a stretch in your wrist.
Repeat on both sides.
Warrior I
Warrior I stretches your shoulders, chest, and arms.
Step your right foot forward.
Point your toes forward.
Bend your front knee and lower into a lunge.
Keep your left leg straight behind you.
Allow your back foot to turn slightly.
Raise your arms up to the sky.
Hold for a few breaths on each side.
Warrior II
Get all of your friends out of the car and have them do a warrior II pose.
Step one foot forward.
Stretch one arm in front of you and the other back.
Bend your right knee and double-check its directly over your right ankle.
Keep your head up.
Reach through each arm, feeling a stretch.
Seated Pigeon
Try seated pigeon while you wait for your friend to get back from the bathroom.
Its great for opening up your hips, Berger says, which can get extra tight on long trips.
Sit straight up, lengthening your spine.
Inhale to open your chest.
Place your right ankle on your left knee.
Keep your right foot flexed as you hinge forward at the hips.
Hold for 30 seconds then switch sides.
