Travel Yoga for Road Trips
Summer means Road Trips!!
And long drives in the car can mean tight hips, achy backs, and sore shoulders. What better way to entertain yourself and fellow travelers than to sneak in some yoga poses at rest stops along the way.
It’s absolutely amazing how yoga can poses can boost your energy, release that road fatigue, and get you alert and ready for the next 500 miles! This way you arrive at your destination feeling alert, energized, and ready to play. Versus collapsing into the nearest bed and missing out on all the fun.
My family and I just drove to New York and New Jersey, so I snapped a few shots of my all time favorite yoga on the road stress busting poses!
Give them a try on your next adventure. And when you’re done check out:
More Yoga for Road Trips here
What’s a road trip without your faithful companion?
Gracie, the Boston Terrier, loves the open road! This is one doggie who loves to travel and see the world! What a great companion she was on this adventure!
Yoga for Tight Back
Tip #1 – Hunched over the wheel too long?
Reclining Warrior
Open Up Those Side Bodies & Hip Flexors! This one is a keeper. You’ll feel taller, more alert, no more tired legs, and BONUS – you’ll be able to more easily reach into the backseat for the picnic basket 🙂
- Take a wide stance.
Turn your left foot in a little and right foot open.
Bend your right knee over your ankle to create a 90 degree angle.
Extend your arms out into a T, turn your right palm up.
Lean back over your left leg and place your left hand on your outer left thigh.
Stretch your right arm to the sky and look up!
Hold for a few breaths and switch sides.
Yoga for Tight Hips
Tip #2 – No More Achy Hips
Standing Fire Log
Get your mind back in the game. It’s easy to become dull and sleepy when you’ve been behind the wheel for too long. Balancing poses require more attention and focus. They will sharpen your senses and bring you back to the present instead of daydreaming about laying on the beach 🙂 Keep your eyes on the road. You’re getting closer!
- It might be nice to hold onto something for balance 🙂
Bend your left leg and place your right ankle on top of your thigh.
Flex that right foot and squeeze the inner thighs towards each other.
Move the inner thighs back as you sit down into an imaginary chair, then scoop the tailbone, drawing the lower belly in and up.
Hands can be in anjali mudra (prayer position).
Take a few breaths and then switch sides.
Don’t forget to smile 🙂 You’re almost there!
Yoga for Sore Back
Tip #3 – Tight Shoulders Gone in a Dance
Natarajasana – Variation on Dancer Pose
Beach, Mountain, Vacation, Big Truck traffic can take it’s toll on your nerves. Shoulders wind up around your ears, your chest is tight from those crazy drivers, and you’re about ready to jump out of your skin! Take a deep breath, it’s going to be OK. This variation on Dancer pose is just what you need. By holding the inside edge of the foot (instead of the outer) you’ll get a great big stretch to your shoulders, chest, belly, and thigh. It doesn’t have to be perfect, remember you’re also providing comic relief for your fellow travelers. Nothing beats laughter to help break the tension of a long road trip. 🙂
You can always hold onto your car or a handy tree to help with balance.
Standing straight up, 2 feet firmly planted on the earth (Mountain Pose), bend your right leg.
Right hand reaches for the inside edge of right foot (right thumb is facing the sky).
Press hand and foot into one another.
Slowly hinge at the left hip, reaching your left arm forward. (If bending your supporting left leg makes this easier right now, go for it.)
Keep pressing right foot into right hand to create a positive tension.
Take a few breaths and switch sides.
Yoga for Relaxation
Tip #4 – It’s great to have extra drivers!
Savasana
What’s a practice without savasana? Sneak in a little ‘dog’ or ‘cat’ nap while your friend takes the wheel! 🙂 Gracie, the Boston Terrier, will show you how it’s done.
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More Yoga for Road trips here
For more simple yoga moves to keep you feeling great on the road! Check out the next blog post, More Yoga for Road Trips.
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Happy Trails To You!!
Especially when it ends in your Aunt Jenny’s homemade (including the noodles!!!!!) lasagna! Yummy heaven……..And your Uncle Joe’s great tunes!
Or your Aunt Debbie and Uncle Danny’s awesome backyard resort! Lexi demonstrates handstand in the pool!
What’s your favorite road trip memory? Let me know in the comments below. One of mine is when I didn’t realize that New Jersey’s Turnpike and Parkway are two completely different things. Granted I was 18 at the time, it was pre-google maps and pre-cell phones! I eventually found my way back to Virginia 🙂
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