Taking a vacation from work doesn’t mean you have to take a break from your health and fitness goals. Whether you’re road-tripping across the country or just driving a few hours out of town, this workout will help you stretch your legs… and burn some serious calories.
So pack your bags, grab your sneakers, and throw on a pair of leggings (if you’re not already wearing a pair of leggings, that is).
Best workout for road trips
On the road again? Make the most of it by getting a workout in along the way. You can easily do these moves all at once, or you can split them up throughout your trip.
- Rear-ender
- Suitcase swing (or modify with suitcase deadlift)
- Bumper push-up
- Reverse leg lift
- Parking lot sprint (or modify with tire tap)
- Freeway crunch
Hitting the road early in the morning typically requires a coffee to wake you up and get you moving. But before you head in for your caffeine fix, try a few of these rear-enders for a cardio burst that will help wake up your body.
How to do it:
- Stand about a foot away from the back of your car.
- Keeping your chest lifted and core tight, lift right knee high and tap right toe on the bumper of your car.
- As you bring your right foot back to the ground, pick up your left knee and tap bumper with left toe.
- Move quickly and aim for 3 sets of 20 reps, alternating legs.
Ugh — the struggle is real. To avoid thinking about the $$$ pouring into your car on a gas stop, grab your suitcase and focus on your booty, legs, and lower belly instead.
How to do it:
- Stand with feet wider than hip width.
- Grab your bag with both hands and place it between your legs.
- Take a slight bend in knees as you push your booty back.
- Drive through your heels, squeezing your glutes forward, and allow the bag to rise to about shoulder height. (Just like a kettlebell swing!)
- Try 3 sets of 15 reps.
Modification: Suitcase deadlift
If you’re on the shorter side (or if you packed your whole wardrobe for a one-night vacay), your bag might not fit between your legs. Try some deadlifts instead.
How to do it:
- Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Hold your suitcase just in front of your body with both hands.
- Keeping spine neutral and knees slightly bent, push your hips back and slowly lower the suitcase until it just touches the ground.
- Bring hips toward the suitcase as you raise back up to the starting position.
- Do 15 reps. Try 3 sets.
On a long drive, trail mix and water just aren’t gonna cut it. But before you pull into a drive-thru, think twice. See if you can find a spot with healthy(ish) options made from real ingredients. And before you dine, why not take the opportunity to hit the bumper and push it (real good)?
How to do it:
- Place your hands about shoulder-width apart and step feet back into an elevated plank.
- Bend elbows to 90 degrees as you lower your chest.
- Exhale as you press away from the car and repeat.
- Shoot for 3 sets of 15 reps, as long as your form feels strong.
Did your windshield become a bug graveyard? You can’t roll into your vacay destination with that mess on your windshield, so when you stop to clean it up, try these reverse leg lifts. Your butt will thank you after all those hours on the road.
How to do it:
- Take a slight bend in your standing leg as you reach forward with the squeegee.
- Lift the opposite leg behind you, squeezing to engage your glutes.
- Return your leg and arm to the starting position.
- Try 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg.
Your friend swore they didn’t have to pee at the last stop, but they’re crossing their knees 15 minutes later, right? Here’s how to make this (extra) pit stop worth it.
How to do it:
- Find a safe, open space and set a distance about six cars long.
- Sprint down and back 5 times to get a little HIIT action in and boost your metabolism!
Modification: Tire tap
Short on space? Try tire taps instead! The combination of a plyometric leap and curtsy lunge will work those glutes and quads and get your heart rate up.
How to do it:
- Start at your driver’s side front tire in a crouched position. Position your right foot behind and to the left of your left foot.
- Jump off left foot, using arms and right leg to propel your body toward the back tire.
- Land softly on the ball of your right foot, letting left foot pass behind it before touching down.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Try to complete 20 jumps.
Don’t have any stops for a while? You can do freeway crunches from the passenger seat! Think: bicycle crunches, but sitting down.
How to do it:
- While seated, place your hands behind your head, with elbows out to the sides.
- Lift left knee and lower right elbow, rotating at your core so they meet each other.
- Return to the starting position, and then repeat on the other side. Continue to alternate sides.
- Aim for 50 double-count crunches every 5 minutes
Not too bad for being in a car all day. Try these moves on your next road trip when you’re tempted to ask “Are we there yet?”