Did you know there are car seat yoga moves that can make your road trip more relaxing? These simple exercises are especially useful for long-distance travel or when planning a tranquil getaway to a Greek island like Paros—or anywhere else in the world. Taking a break to stretch during your journey can help you unwind, relieve the discomfort of sitting for extended periods, reduce travel stress, and even strengthen the bond with your fellow travelers.
Below, you’ll find a selection of easy seated yoga poses to keep you comfortable during the drive and help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Give them a try on your next road trip or even when you’re stuck in traffic!
Car yoga for relaxing road trip
Take a few deep breaths, relax, and get ready for some seated yoga stretches that will boost your mood and alleviate body soreness!
Seated Crescent Moon Pose (Anjaneyasana)
A very easy stretch that is suitable for everyone. All you need to do is:
- Sit up straight and inhale to bring your hands above your head
- Grab your elbows with each hand
- Exhale while leaning from one side to the other
- Hold for a few breaths
- Inhale to return to center and repeat on the opposite side
Helps to: Release pressure from low back and shoulders, stretch obliques.
How long: 3-4 sets each side.
When: While you’re seated in the car.
Pro tip: Make sure your hips stay level while you sit.
2. Seated Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
It is also a really popular yoga pose, perfect for everyone. All you have to do is:
- Lean forward slightly and stick your chest out
- Place your hands on your knees
- Inhale and lift your heart
- Raise your chin and look up at the roof of the car
- Keep your shoulders away from your ears
Helps to: Stretch your neck and upper chest.
How long: Hold for 4-5 breaths, repeat 3X.
When: While you’re seated in the car.
Pro tip: Think of raising your heart to the roof of the car.
3. Seated Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
Except for the car, you can do this pose on your mat. Follow these steps:
- Lift your right leg and place your right ankle on your left knee
- Flex your right foot to protect your knee
- Exhale as you hinge forward with a straight back
- Reverse sides
Helps to: Stretch your hips, outer thighs and lower back.
How long: Hold for 1-2 min, 3x on each side.
When: While you’re seated in the car.
Pro tip: Your shin should be parallel with the dashboard or backseat.
4. Twisted Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)
It is an alternative to the chair pose. Remove the soreness by following these steps:
- Inhale hands into prayer position
- Hinge forward with a straight back as you exhale
- Hook your right elbow on the outside of your left thigh
- Look down at your toes and sink deeper as you exhale
- Switch sides
Helps to: Stretch a stiff spine/back by creating synovial fluid.
How long: Hold for 30 seconds to 1 min, 3x each side.
When: While you’re seated in the car.
Pro tip: Be sure to twist from the spine, not the neck. Look at your knees to make sure they are even — if one is farther forward than the other, straighten it up.
5. Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
This is an easy exercise, perfect for beginners. Just do the following:
- Sit up tall and bring your right hand to your left knee or thigh
- Reach your left elbow or arm around the headrest behind you
- Hold and twist deeper as you exhale
- Unwind and repeat on the opposite side
Helps to: Decompress lower spine and shoulders.
How long: Hold for 3-5 breaths, 3x each side.
When: While you’re seated in the car.
Pro tip: Grab the steering wheel with your hand if you can’t reach your thigh.
6. Seated Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana)
Do you want to experience the whole world of yoga? Just follow these simple steps:
- Extend your legs up on the dashboard and hold
- Pull your left leg in, resting your foot on your right knee
- Keep your spine straight and fold your torso over your right leg
- Switch legs
Helps to: Restore blood blow to your pelvic cavity, low back and hips.
How long: Hold for 8-10 breaths, 3x each side.
When: While you’re seated in the car.
Pro tip: For less intensity, simply put your legs on the dashboard.
7. Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana)
If you want to recharge and stretch your upper body, this pose is for you.
- Stand on your left foot
- Reach back and grab your right foot with your right arm
- Kick back to create an arch in your back
- Repeat on your other side
Helps to: Re-charge and stretch the spine, shoulders and quads.
How long: 2-3 times each side.
When: While you’re fueling up.
Pro-tip: Place your left hand on the car for extra stability.
8. Yogi Squat (Mālāsana)
If you are sitting for a prolonged period of time, then you definitely need to do this pose, to feel better.
- Stand with your feet a little wider than hip’s width
- Bend your knees and squat all the way down
- Let your hips get heavy and lift your chest
- Rock gently from foot to foot
- Bring your hands together or rest them on the car/tire for support
Helps to: Stretch your hips after sitting for long periods of time.
How long: Hold for three to five breaths.
When: While you’re fueling up.
Pro tip: You can kill two birds with one stone by checking the tire pressure while you’re at it.
9. Modified Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
If you want to try an intense pose, then this one is for you.
- Keep your left foot on the ground and step your right foot up onto the running board or trunk of the car
- Bend your right knee and keep the left leg straight
- Lunge forward
- Reach arms overhead
- Repeat on the opposite side
Helps to: Stretch quads and hamstrings.
How long: Hold for 3-5 breaths, 3x each side.
When: While you’re fueling up.
Pro tip: For more intensity, place your foot on the tailgate or pop the trunk and place your foot up on the ledge.
10. Modified Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
This is an alternative to maybe the pose that comes to mind of everyone when they think about yoga.
- Bring your hands (shoulder-distance apart) to car window or door
- Keep your arms straight as you step back and hinge forward slightly
- Allow your head to hang heavy and bend your knees as needed
- Pedal your feet for extra calf muscle stretches
Helps to: Stretch your back and shoulders.
How long: 3 sets of 30 seconds.
When: While you’re fueling up.
Pro tip: Take a look in the windows as you stretch to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything!
11. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
Do you want some stretch on your back? Then try this:
- Stand with your feet together and your knees slightly bent
- Exhale as you hinge at your hips to fold your torso over your legs
- Place your hands on the ground next to your feet or hold opposite elbows
- Take 5 breaths and, on an inhale, slowly stand up
Helps to: Lengthen your back and wake up your hamstrings.
How long: 5+ breaths, 4x.
When: While you’re fueling up.
Pro tip: Keep length in your spine, and avoid rounding your back.
To sum up, practicing yoga in a seated position can help you feel refreshed and ease any soreness. Whether you’re on a road trip or exploring a beautiful island like Paros, these poses will help you unwind and enjoy quality time with your fellow travelers.
Rent a car, explore the island, and rejuvenate your mind and spirit with these ancient techniques!
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