I live about 40 miles away from my studio, Rhinebeck Pilates. So that means that I'm spending a lot of time in my car! Luckily, I have my XM radio to keep me entertained during the trip. Love XM! But what I don't love is the occassional soreness I feel in various parts of my body due to the long drive. This is something I hear my clients complain about often, especially those who drive to and from New York City. Here are some tips on how to Survive the Drive....
When you first sit in the car, take a moment to make sure that all the mirrors are angled properly, so you don't have to crane your neck to see what's behind you.
Adjust the seat. It might take some playing with, but find the right angle that does not drop your lower back and tailbone lower than your legs. Generally, try increasing the height of the seat to lift your weight up out of your legs.
Imagine your head floating up towards the ceiling, as if held by a string. This is opposed to imagining your head like a bowling ball, crushing your neck. Feel the difference?! It takes some focus, but try to stay with the "floating up" imagine, and your neck and shoulders will thank you.
Place your hands at about 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. Lightly lift your elbows up and out to the sides, so their weight doesn't pull your neck down. With the heel of your palm, gently push the wheel away as you hold it, rather than pulling it in towards you with your fingers.
Place your left foot directly on the floor, flat, with the left knee at a right angle. Use this leg as your stable base, to help support your weight as you drive. Otherwise, you will “slump” in the seat, letting your body weight drop into your lower back.
When the right foot is working the pedals on the floor, try turning your foot and thigh IN rather than out. When you allow the thigh to roll out to the side and press the pedals with a outwardly rotated foot, the pain will travel directly up into your right outer thigh, glutes, and low back. This can be avoided.
Try not to sit perched forward in the seat. Sit back against the seat and try to allow your spine to travel up seat rather than sinking down into the seat.
If you talk on your cell phone while driving, use a hands-free device. When you hold your phone in one hand, and crane your neck to the side to listen on the phone, you are compensating somewhere else in your body. You need both hands on the wheel to keep yourself in balance. And you can use the $250 you’ll save from getting a ticket on pilates classes!
