Seat belt: CHECK! Mirrors: CHECK! Fuel in the tank: CHECK! Road trip stretches: AW YEAH, we've got those too!

Most of us travel long distances on interstates and highways, which offer vast – and seemingly endless – miles of concrete lined in yellow and white; breeding perfect conditions for tight and achy muscles. Don’t let long car rides hinder your weekend getaway. Take control of the wheel — and your body.

Pack your bags and hit the road in style with these travel sized GymnasticBodies stretches you can do anywhere. 

Road Trip Stretches for Tight Hips

It’s inevitable! If you spend enough time sitting, your hips are likely to glue themselves into the shape of your seat, making it difficult to straighten them back out.

Luckily, it doesn’t take much to restore the natural range of motion back to your hips and thighs. Just a few sets of the awesome lower body mobility drill (pictured above) from the Stretch Series and you’re golden. With this single movement, you can open up tight hamstrings, inner thighs, and glutes while refueling those stiff, achy legs.

This stretch can be used dynamically by moving from side to side, keeping your hips as low as possible, or statically by holding each side for a desired period of time. Whichever flavor you choose, we’re sure your hips will appreciate you showing them you care.

Try this shoulder and hamstring combo from the GB Foundation Series on your next road trip rest stop.

Move Your Scaps, Open Your Chest with the Shoulder Extension

Being the captain of the ship — or in this case, the car — is a tough job;  especially on those long stretches of corn fields, open skies and not much else. These hours behind the wheel will undoubtedly create discomfort in your back, shoulders, neck, and hips.

Take advantage of each gas station break and relieve the aches and tension in your shoulders with this shoulder extension variation inspired by GymnasticBodies. It opens your chest, moves your scaps, and arches your upper thoracic just enough to correct your turtle-necked upper-back slump. We cannot overemphasize the blame your posture deserves for an achy, stiff back.

If you want to take this shoulder extension a step further you can add a nice hamstring and lower back stretch by folding yourself forward while letting your arms lower over your head. This total body stretch is the perfect complement to any road trip and is a must-have in your mobility training arsenal.

Your Ultimate Upper Thoracic Stretch

You've probably already noticed we can be kinda intense around here. That's why this handstand into an elevated bridge is something we recommend to those of you who have the strength and control to keep your foot from flying through your rear window. It's an elevated bridge, which is a wonderful and intense way to arch out your achy thoracic. 

The bonus is the movement your shoulders get from any kind of hardstanding, which engages upper traps, elevates and protracts your scaps, and heats up the rest of the shoulder girdle.

If our gas station examples fail to entice you, don't forget you can stop at any overlook or park and throw down a yoga mat to utilize these road-trip GB Stretches for all the adventures ahead. Now, get moving and have a happy road trip summer!