Commuting might be one of the most challenging things one has to do on a daily basis. The hassle of commuting to and from work can have a negative impact on your health, both physical and mental. But commuting doesn't have to result in a dull boring activity; instead it can become an activity to further encourage your healthy habits.
The rapid and breathtaking speed of life leaves people with little time to exercising. But at the same time exercise is such necessity that it should never be ignored. So how do you implement an exercise routine while on the road? Here are a few tips:
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If your office is close enough from home then walk or take a bike to work whenever possible. This will provide you a complete cardio workout and will be safe for the environment as well. Plan to do this at least twice a week.
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When you are sitting in a bus, car or a train, simply squeeze your gluteus (buttock) muscles as tightly as you can and hold for at least five seconds. Do at least 10 reps. This will help tone the largest group of muscles in your body which will improve your posture and strength. You can also exercise your glutes while walking to your workplace by squeezing them with each step.
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Using one leg at a time, straighten your knee and contract your quadriceps (muscles on the front of the thigh) while sitting. Hold the contraction for 10 seconds and do this several times.
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Pull your belly button in as far as you can as if you're trying to touch your belly button to your spine and hold for 10-20 seconds at a time. It is a good workout for abs.
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While driving car, when you are stuck at a traffic jam or a signal, work your core. Place your hands against the roof of the car, push up with your arms and squeeze your abs. Hold for 10 seconds and relax. The action of squeezing the core and pressing up with the arms and shoulders strengthens the back, arms, shoulders, and core all at the same time.
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While waiting at a bus stop, do calf raises to strengthen your calf muscles. Get on your toes, hold and come back down. Do as many as you can and in a short span of 2 to 3 weeks, you will notice an increase in your calf definition and strength.
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Leg raises is another exercise you can do while waiting at a bus stop. Stand on one leg, while lifting the other one as high as possible to your hips or chest. This will increase the strength in your legs and also engage your stomach.
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Do breathing exercises when you are commuting. A simple exercise is to count to six while breathing in and then count to twelve while you exhale.
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Twist your upper body and hold for at least five seconds in each direction.
By practicing these simple exercises you can use the time spent in commuting to help improve your body. You will be amazed at how much better you'll feel while you are commuting if you take the time to keep your body strong and healthy.
