After a long drive or any period of enforced sitting a run or walk can loosen up tight muscles and make them feel better.
Like many people I traveled over the long labor day weekend. It was a good visit, but a long drive.
After driving home, I was tired and my legs were stiff from sitting in the car for about nine hours. That type of muscle stiffness normally occurs after any long period of enforced sitting, whether driving or something else. After being still for so long, its hard to get moving again. This problem seems to get worse with age.
When we arrived home, the sun had set but there was still a little bit of daylight left. So, I put on my running shoes and went for a run. I didn't run very far or very fast. As it got darker, I had to slow my pace a bit when it was too dark to see the road. I managed to avoid spraining my ankle in a pothole.
When I started the run, my legs were very stiff from sitting in the car all day. By the end they felt pretty good. I was both physically and mentally refreshed.
Our bodies were designed to move. They need physical activity. After long periods of sitting, a run or walk can be just what the body needs to loosen up stiff muscles.
Try it the next time you travel. After a long drive, walk or run around the neighborhood. After a long flight, or between flights, walk briskly around the terminal for a while. Your legs will feel better. Your mood will also improve.
