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Hi friends! I originally posted this way back in August of 2016. Six years ago… YEESH! Time, you crazy thing you. Since I just posted a little social media reel showing these exercises again, I’m reviving this old post, so you fabulous fellow fit RVers can more easily find the printable, which is HERE. Print it out, stick it in your RV glovebox, and do the exercises next long driving day! Be well, all! Original post follows:
August 29, 2016:
Whenever my personal trainees have an upcoming trip, like an overseas flight or a big road trip, I send them off with a printed version of these seated exercises for traveling.
So, when James suggested I create a passenger seat workout for The Fit RV readers, I said, “Well, duh, Stef!” (Talking to myself. It happens, and surprises no one.) “ I already have!”
The Passenger Seat Workout Plan
Click ↑ for a printable copy!
I can’t believe I haven’t shared a seated traveling exercise plan here yet. If ever there’s a relevant website for a Passenger Seat Workout, it’s this one! Sheez!
So finally, FINALLY, here you go. Click the video for the demo or click the title for the print version.
And as for the video. It’s a little, uh, rough, sorry. James and I get in a fight (if you’re new around here, you’ll eventually get used to that), James giggles like a child over “cheeks,” and thanks to our tendency for tangents, it ends up much longer than necessary. This is probably why no one’s recruiting us to be on TV or in the movies. It’s all James’ fault I’m not famous.
Still, even though it didn’t make us famous, it IS a useful workout plan, and I hope you’ll consider giving it a try next road trip. Sitting long stretches really is so very hard on our bodies. So, do what you can to keep your circulation up when traveling. If you you’re driving, stop frequently. If you’re flying, get up and walk around often. And while you’re seated, do the exercises in the Passenger Seat Workout every hour. You’ll be doing something great for your body and protecting yourself from the risk of travel-induced blood clots.
While I’m on my soap box: When there’s two of you, make sure you switch drivers at each stop, too. It’s a safer and healthier way to team up on the road.
Now, obviously, these exercises only work if you’re a PASSENGER. If you’re traveling solo, you’re better off sticking with more frequent activity stops and shorter driving days. But, you can still watch the video, and I hope everyone, solo or partners, will leave me some love below and let me know what you think!!!
xo
Stef
Thanks Stef!!
I have been following you both on Youtube… Love your Videos and have all but decided on the Pufferfish or a Travado. Anyway, I’m disabled (knees are past trashed) and had been going to the Rec. Center Pool. Until it became way too painful to keep it up. This will help a great deal since I work from home and sit way TOO Much.
This fantastic video reminded me of the old movie “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”, during which John Candy referred to playing a game of pick up sticks with butt cheeks, so yeah, butt cheeks can be funny! And then I thought of doing some of these exercises on a plane. You would probably get beaten up by your annoyed fellow passenger if you threw elbows way out like that! Otherwise, this is all really wonderful, and an excellent way to prevent blood clots from forming because you’ve been sitting too long. Thank you so much. I love all your videos.
Too funny! And actually, two of my personal trainees who are retired (and have been BFFs since high school) flew to Australia together recently and I sent them on the plane with a very similar workout plan I had them do every 90 minutes! They didn’t mention any weird looks from fellow passengers, but then they’re both pretty zany and are likely used to weird looks, lol. Anyways, hope you’ll try these exercises on your next road trip (or flight)!
Hi Stefany, I search internet for hand ball exercises for RV and yours showed up. It was approx. 16 min.and with $1.99 ball. it was good exercise. I will be 70 mid August 2017 and I wanted something that would help me get my sugars under control but not too strenuous. I walk outdoors nearly every day for 30 to 60 minutes normal to brisk walking. Although the exercises are for RV I do them at home too. I couldn’t find the stretchy band you tube video. We’ll be taking RV in couple days and I like the passenger seat workout…good idea. 🙂 I also like how you can modify some exercises I wish you’d explain how to modify the squats. I can’t do them due to a physical limitation. Can all your workouts be done from a chair? Or do you have a video with exercises just from a chair? If not would you consider making one? Also can you workouts be done with light weights ( 1 or 2 lbs)? Have you any video’s like that for seniors? Do you sell any video? Thanks
Hi Ellen! I’m glad you found the ball workout and happy it’s been useful. Good for you for keeping on top of your fitness! If you click here: https://www.thefitrv.com/?s=senior+fitness you’ll find a list of other exercises and workouts that are senior friendly. Now, since you have physical limitations you’ll want to watch the video first and find ways to modify the exercises that aren’t appropriate for you. To modify squats, my favorite way is to hold onto a bar, or even your kitchen sink, and drive your hips back gently as if you were going to sit. Click here and scroll down to the last picture in the article and you’ll see what I mean: http://winnebagolife.com/2016/01/who-needs-a-gym
Stay strong and make sure you’re exercising every day! xoxo
Stef,
Great exercise idea and great video! Printed one for the RV and one for the computer at home. See you both in Pomona.
Kimberly
Oh yay, Kimberly, I’m excited you’ll be in Pomona!!! We’ll be there the first 3 days the show’s open, hanging out at the Winnebago Class B display. It’ll be so fun to meet you!
I did the bootcamp challenge twice. Once when i was 17 (in bootcamp) and again in my 50’s. It was easier the first time. Also Thank you for the composting toilet video. I full time rv and I’m feeling pretty good about my black tank now.
Stef, where is Mel? Didn’t see him flying around behind you in the video.
LOL! James was worried he’d meow and complain and jump all over us while we were trying to film…so Mel stayed home. THIS TIME!!!!
So I have to be the oddly curious one and ask: Where were you driving when you filmed this? At first I was thinking California foothills somewhere, but the pine trees don’t seem quite right for that. Perhaps some the hills/canyons in Utah? (yes, I was watching the exercises too…)
LOL, Ian!!! We were driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon in Utah…up to Solitude Ski Resort. It’s SUCH a beautiful canyon, wish you could have seen out the windows better. Loads of recreating up that canyon…hiking, biking, camping, climbing, etc.
Can’t wait to try these on the next trek to the grandkids. Good job Stef. Thanks for the cheat sheet for the car.
Well I sure hope you make the grandkids do the exercises, too! Bet they’d get a kick out of it and add a whole new spin to RV fitness, LOL! Glad you stopped by the website, and I’m so jealous you get to RV with your grandlittles, Marg!!! xoxoxo
Thanks!! I love it! And the timing is great! We head out in a week. I will be doing these from the front seat of our Unity!!
Yay, Shari!
Where did you say the cheat sheet is?
Even driving by yourself you can benefit by stopping to do this exercise before walking around every two hours I’m thinking.
Hi Velda! To get the cheat sheet, click on the green title under the video that says, The Passenger Seat Workout Plan. Let me know if you have troubles with it!
This was hilarious!! You have SUCH PATIENCE!. James was on Best Form with his comments and quips! This was a great break from the norm, and just shows a lot of fun times you guys have together!
I’m glad SOMEBODY notices my patience! And yes, Steve, you know James well enough to know this is as well-behaved as he gets. xoxo
Good stuff, but I don’t see much of a fight…………traveling in an RV for hours and married 40 years (like us) …..one partner could’ve maybe thrown the other’s cap out on the highway? Or something else fun ! Now that would be a fight….
I will for sure try these exercises though – good work – again!
To tell the truth I was restraining myself from taking off my hat and whacking him with it. And for the record I am NOT a bad driver. Plus I’m so glad you’ll try these exercises, Char! You’ll have to keep me posted how it goes!
Stef, you always make exercising fun! You are a great motivator! Thank you for all you do to help everyone achieve better mobility, better health and a better lifestyle! You ROCK!
Maggie
Maggie, you just made my night!
Love it! Now I need to see if I can do the out out, in in, while I’m knitting–bet I’ll be knitting faster! Steph, would these also work while sitting in a chair in front of a computer screen??
Hi Mac! They’d most definitely work at the computer, great suggestion! And I think if you can knit AND do the out-out-in-in coordination challenge, you should buy yourself a medal!!!!