Aug 5, 2009, 14:29 GMT
Hamburg - It's vacation time and after all the packing and planning most drivers hit the road, yearning to reach their holiday destination as soon as possible, forgetting to take a break and arriving exhausted with typical backache problems and other pains.
Although most health experts recommend a break after two hours motorists don't mind mind spending four and more hours at the wheel, feeling all the after-effects of one-sided strain in the arms, legs and back.
After four hours the body can show clear signs of one-sided strain that can lead to cramps and other pains, the German Association for a Healthy Back (AGR) points out.
Drivers should take more breaks, drink fluids, walk about and do some exercises before continuing their trip. A general rule of thumb is to activate all those body muscles that have been dormant during the trip. Here is some advice:
- Begin your exercise routine by gently slapping yours legs and arms with the palm of your hands and then rubbing and shaking out your body.
- Stretch and relax your feet. Raising the toes will activate the shin muscles. You can also stand on the balls of your feet stretching your legs as much as you can and then relaxing.
- Release tension in the shoulders, back and arms by stretching your arms above your head for a few seconds and then bending over toward the front and then to your feet. Repeat.
- Start by rolling the right shoulder upward and downward and then repeat the same with the left shoulder.
After doing this short routine you can gently walk about for a few more steps before continuing your trip feeling much fresher and in a better mood.
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