Did you know that truck driving accounts for 5.8% of the entire workforce in the United States? That’s a lot of truckers on the road who might not be getting enough physical exercise! As a truck driver or someone interested in the trucking industry, it can be hard to get a good amount of exercise in while on the road.
However, don’t fear! Experienced truckers know that exercise is possible with the right amount of creativity. Again, if you’re unsure of where to start, don’t worry— we’ve compiled a list of some of the top ways truck drivers can stay active on the road.
Here are some of the top ways truck drivers can stay physically active on the road:
- Make Use of the Space Around You
- Pack Healthy Snacks
- Pack Small Gym Gear and Equipment
- Try to Exercise for at Least 15 Minutes a Day
- Work Out While Driving
- Log Your Goals
Make Use of the Space Around You
As a trucker, you’re bound to travel all over the country. With that in mind, your work destinations can be great spots to find time to exercise. Make use of local trails, truck-stop gyms or even do some sprints in a hotel parking lot! Wherever you end up, the space around you can provide great landscape to do even the simplest of exercises. If working out in the public eye isn’t for you, try heading over to Youtube to find a yoga video for your hotel room pit stop.
Pack Healthy Snacks
When it comes time to get back on the road, road trip snacks can make or break your health journey. Instead of filling up your truck with junk food, try opting for healthier options like baby carrots or veggie chips. Even if you’re traveling in a less populated area, you’re bound to find health alternatives in any gas station or restaurant you pop into. Healthy snack options can greatly benefit the lack of physical activity you may get when on the road.
Pack Small Gym Gear and Equipment
If you’re someone who doesn’t love the gym scene even at home, you may want to try packing small gym gear to take with you on the go. This can be anything from light dumbbells, suspension cables, yoga mats, resistance bands or even a folding bike. While you probably won’t be able to pack heavy gym gear or equipment along with you, these lighter workout options can still keep you active while you’re on the road.
Try to Exercise for at Least 15 Minutes a Day
As you likely spend many hours of your day sitting in your truck, you’re bound to feel a little bit stir crazy. No matter what your schedule looks like, it’s important that you try to get in at least 15 minutes of exercise movement a day. Don’t let your body feel the effects of being car locked for hours on end— give your body that much needed physical activity and your body will definitely thank you in the long run.
Learn more about Drive M&W’s driver requirements and benefits!
Work Out While Driving
While safety should be your top priority when operating your semi-truck, there are a few exercises you can do while you’re driving! For example— the abdominal crunch. Try squeezing your abs and holding it for the length of a song along your drive. You can repeat this move at every red light or break up the exercise with some shoulder shrugs.
These stretches can be great tension relievers as stress can build up around your neck after all that time driving. Lift your shoulders up to your ears, and hold them there for a few seconds, then slowly release. Do these stretches intermittently throughout your drives to get in some extra physical activity.
Log Your Goals
Another way to ensure you’re getting a good amount of physical activity on the road is to log your goals! Try keeping a daily journal of what you’ve been eating, how you’ve worked out, and any patterns you would like to continue or get rid of moving forward. Your health as a truck driver is very important and staying physically active can increase your motivation for work and life.
While no career is ever perfect, the trucking industry is built to support and uplift it’s truckers. With many advantages to an independent traveler, truck driving has become a fulfilling profession for many. With many hours dedicated to the road, truck drivers can often forget to stay physically active. With just a few lifestyle changes, you’ll feel energized and ready to take on your next trucking adventure.
If you’re ready to jumpstart your trucking career, connect with our team of recruiters or apply at Drive M&W today.
