Eight exercises that will keep you fresh for driving

DAVID LINKLATER
Car fitness exercises - as demonstrated by Stuff lifestyle guru Darren.

Being stuck in your car for hours at time isn't kind on your body - whether it's city commuting or a road trip.

But there are a few low-impact exercises you can do to prevent driving-related aches and pains and improve your general state of health.

British racing driver Rebecca Jackson has come up with eight simple stretches tailored towards driving comfort. Jackson knows what she's talking about: she's an endurance racer, self-proclaimed and Guinness World Record holder for long-distance driving, travelling to 14 different countries on a single tank of fuel.

Rebecca Jackson is a racing driver and long-distance driving expert.
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Rebecca Jackson is a racing driver and long-distance driving expert.

"Multiple hours sat at the wheel can cause a lot of stress to your body," says Jackson.

READ MORE:
* How to sit properly in your car
* How should you hold a steering wheel?
* What's the safest way to carry my dog in the car?

"Drivers are likely to experience pain and stiffness in their necks, shoulders and back - as well as eye strain which can lead to a headache and swelling in the lower legs.

Driving hits the neck especially hard. Neck roll exercises (not in the car, mind) can boost circulation.
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Driving hits the neck especially hard. Neck roll exercises (not in the car, mind) can boost circulation.

She recommends the following eight exercises to keep you fresh behind the wheel.

Ankle Rolls: Boost circulation to feet and banish lower leg swelling

Hold on to something with one hand (the car door will do) to stop yourself from toppling over, and put your other hand on your waist. Lift your right leg and rotate at the ankle slowly in a clockwise direction. After eight or so rotations, change direction and rotate your foot anti-clockwise. Swap feet and repeat with your left ankle.

Keeping alert can help prevent embarrassing parking errors.
SUPPLIED
Keeping alert can help prevent embarrassing parking errors.

Leg stretches: Eliminate stiffness in legs and thighs

Place your right foot on your car's front bumper and straighten your leg. Bend forward as far as possible and touch your fingertips to your toes. You should feel the stretch at the back of your knee. Hold for eight seconds, swap legs and repeat.

Calf Stretches: Ease stiff legs and boost circulation

Multiple hours at the wheel cause a lot of stress to your body, says Jackson.
SUPPLIED
Multiple hours at the wheel cause a lot of stress to your body, says Jackson.

Place toes on your car's tyre, keeping your knee straight and heel up. Push down until you feel the stretch behind your toes and on the arch of your foot. Hold for eight seconds. Swap legs and repeat.

Waist Twists: Wake yourself up while stretching out arms and back

Find some space away from other people or objects (within reaching distance). Relax your arms by your side and bend your knees slightly. Twist at the waist allowing arms to follow the movement of your upper body. Repeat for 16 counts, eight each way.

Back Arches: Soothe an aching back

Stand two- three feet away from your car, facing away. Lift both arms above your head and bend backwards towards the car until you feel the stretch in your back and shoulders. Hold for eight and repeat.

Shoulder Rolls: Relieve stiff shoulders as well as neck and upper back pain

Stand up straight, feet hip width apart. Roll shoulders backwards for eight rotations, then forward for eight. Repeat.

Neck Rolls: Ease a stiff neck and boost circulation to the upper back

Relax your neck and allow your head to gently fall forwards. Roll your slowly in a clockwise direction for eight rotations. Change direction and rotate anti-clockwise eight times

Eye Rolls: Avoid eye strain and brain fatigue

Keeping your head still, look up and blink slowly four times. Look right and blink four times. Look down, left and up again, in each direction blinking four times. Repeat in all four directions then close your eyes for ten counts.

"If you have had a particularly stressful journey so far, take a tip from meditation and try taking a few deep breaths in through the nose, hold for three, then let the breath fall out of your mouth. Repeat."

Jackson began circuit racing in 2011, achieving five podiums including a win in the second season. One of her greatest works is the Project Le Mans launched in 2013, her four-year plan to join the most prestigious endurance race in the world.

Jackson is also a television presenter in the UK and has had work published in GQ Magazine, Auto Express and The Sunday Times.

She was awarded Michelin Inspirational Woman in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

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