Is It Possible to Exercise While Driving?

Is It Possible to Exercise While Driving?

Have you ever wished you had more time to dedicate to exercise? If so, you're certainly not alone. In fact, a lack of free time is one of the most common reasons people give for not working out regularly.
 

Now, think about how much time you spend in the car each week on your regular commutes, whether it be the drive to/from work or even just running errands around town. What if there was a way to incorporate a little exercise during your drive? Believe it or not, there is! While you may not be burning the same calories you'd be burning on the treadmill while sitting behind the wheel of your car, there are a few simple yet effective exercises you can perform on the way to work or while running errands.

Why Exercise While Driving?

There are many reasons to consider incorporating an exercise routine into your drive. This is especially recommended for those who spend a lot of time in the car each day, such as those with longer work commutes. For starters, exercising in the car allows you to make more productive use of your time. Rather than simply sitting behind the wheel with poor posture (which can actually be detrimental to your physical health and well being), small exercises performed while driving can help burn a few extra calories and boost your energy/mood.
 

And of course, for those who don't exercise regularly because they simply don't have time to make it to the gym, exercising a little in the car gives you the ability to say you've at least done something for your health each day. As an added bonus, working out in the car doesn't cost a dime! No need for an expensive gym membership, workout DVDs, or fancy equipment.

Simple and Effective Car Workouts

When it comes to easy yet effective car workouts, isometric exercises tend to be the best option. That's because these types of workouts involve the tensing and relaxing of muscles and don't require a lot of movement or space.
 

Looking to strengthen your core? Consider an abdominal brace exercise while driving. To perform this exercise, simply sit up as straight as you can in your driver's seat, focusing on perfecting your posture. Then, take a deep breath in as you relax your abdominal muscles as much as possible. As you exhale, tense up your stomach muscles, holding for about 10 seconds before relaxing and repeating for as many repetitions as you're comfortable.
 

You can also strengthen your shoulder muscles while behind the wheel. Again, start by sitting up straight and keep your hands on the wheel at all times. Your elbows should be bent at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Focus first on relaxing your shoulders completely, then press your hands against the steering wheel as you tense your shoulder muscles and hold for 10 seconds before releasing. Do a few reps of this exercise and you'll feel the difference in no time!
 

While you're at it, perform a quick glute workout behind the wheel! As you sit up straight and relax the lower part of your body, squeeze your glute muscles together and hold for 10 seconds before releasing and repeating several times. You can do double-duty with this workout by placing a small object, such as a stress ball, between your thighs for an added thigh workout.

Staying Safe During Car Exercise

These are just a few examples of car exercise options that can help you strengthen your muscles and burn a few extra calories on your daily commute. Above all else, however, it's important that you only perform these exercises while driving if you can safely do so without taking any of your focus or attention off the road.
 

Generally, it is recommended that you take time to practice these specific workouts in the comfort of your own home before you attempt them in the car. This way, you can work up your confidence in performing them safely as you drive. If you're uncomfortable with your ability to perform them while you're in a moving vehicle, consider trying them while you're stuck in a traffic jam during rush hour or at stop lights.
 

And speaking of safety and protection behind the wheel, when was the last time you reviewed your auto insurance coverage? Make sure you're protected no matter what life throws at you by revisiting your coverage at least once a year and shopping around to be sure you're getting the best price. From there, you can enjoy even more confidence behind the wheel and be ready for whatever life may throw your way.

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