We've decided to help our readers reduce their 'coefficient of drag' and become more aerodynamic. Over the coming weeks we'll give some exercise tips which readers can try out while stuck in traffic in the hope of removing that post-Christmas spare tyre. Patricia Weston keeps fit at the wheel.
Time spent behind the wheel need not be wasted. When you're stuck in a traffic jam or at a red light, you can do exercises to release tension and
tone and stretch your muscles.
You don't need to be in a gym to exercise.
NECK: Gently rotate the neck from right to left. Repeat 3 or 4 times. Don't rotate the neck fully as this could inhibit air supply. This exercise will stretch the neck muscles and release tension.
SHOULDERS: When sitting in traffic and with the car in neutral and the handbrake on, take your hands off the steering wheel and rotate shoulders together back and forward. Repeat 6 times. This exercise will stretch and tone the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder and trapezius muscles in the upper back.
Place both arms by your side and raise together in front to shoulder level. Hold for 6 seconds and then place back by your side. Repeat 8 - 10 times. This exercise tones and strengthens the deltoid muscles in the shoulder.
Please consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise regime. The exercises described here should be performed only when your vehicle is stationary and the hand brake is on