Updated 03th March 2011

the problem
    There are many things that a driver can do to relive boredom on a long drive. All sorts of mental tricks can be employed to ease the burden. Also fatigue can play a large part.    "There could be naught more tiresome than a pair of aching buttocks." **

BALLS
    As usual in my column, I have researched and located some excersises which can be performed at the wheel. These manipulations can be experienced by anyone, regardless of how fit they are. No special tools or equipment are required. And crucially, no special concentration is needed. I have arranged a fitness programme for everyone, and the exercises come in pairs. The overall benefit of this fitness programme would be the toning of the abdomen, and firming of the buttocks.    "this car's a ball crushing vixen" ***

BUTTOCKS
    One of the most rueful parts of a long car journey, is when you feel a little back stiffness, back ache or numb buttocks. This experience can be avoided by frequent use of the following techniques.
    "you get nothing in this game for two in a bed"****

RECOMMENDED
These excersises have been taught and regularly used by olympic athletes like " Wayne Taylor", ( junior cross country champion, uk schools 14-16s 1997 ) and "Geoff Briggs, ( men's hurdles coach uk olympic team 1985 ) Top athletes like Wayne and Geoff say yes to these techniques.

1 Head Roll
    Roll your head around your sholders, first clockwise, then anti clockwise. This has the effect of relieving a little tension in the neck and shoulder area. Remember, keep your eye on the road, and don't use when on a roundabout, because your car will bounce off the ones beside it.

3 Seat Adjust
    Not everyone has an expensive car. But often the cheaper car seats are poorly made with cheap foam and Little adjustment. It's a good idea to adjust your car seat in a small way, every hour of constant driving. Your body isn't designed to sit in one position for hours on end, and a regular small adjustment, can prevent fatigue later. You can adjust many things, Steering wheel rake and position, seat height, seat back angle, lumbar support, Even headrest, but the headrest top should be level with your eye line.
    If you are lacking in seat adjustment obtain a lumbar support block from a car spares shop, or try a towel between your back and the seat.

9 Footsie
    If you find that your feet or legs are going to sleep, there are a few tricks that you can employ to wake them up.

• Use the heel of your foot instead of the toe end to work the pedals.
• Swap feet but be very careful when braking with your left foot. Hit it as hard as a clutch and you teeth will get chipped on the inside of the windscreen.
• Flex your free knee right back, this can be very comfortable depending on the type of car.
• Lift your free foot right up into the footwell, and hold it there.

The high court decrees that I must amend all my advice with the following statement
I am not a qualified Doctor, nor am I allowed to go by the title or style "Medical Doctor". I am not allowed to Put the title Dr. in front of my name any more. Writing perscriptions is a criminal offence unless carried out by certain qualified and permitted individuals.

**   Dale Winton - sky1 sunday 24th October 1999
***  Jeremy Clarkson ( Top Gear )
****  Jim Bowen ( Bullseye )