5.8% of the entire workforce in the United States is composed of truckers. That’s a lot of truck drivers on the road who might not be able to stay as healthy as they would like. As a truck driver or someone interested in the trucking industry, it can be hard to know how you can incorporate physical activity and healthy food options into your workday.
However, experienced truck drivers know that exercise and a healthy lifestyle is possible with the right amount of creativity. If you’re unsure of where to start, don’t worry— Beacon Transport has compiled a list of some of the top ways truck drivers can stay healthy while on the road.
Here are some of the top ways truck drivers can stay physically active and healthy on the road:
- Use Your Space
- Pack Healthy Snacks
- Pack Gym Gear and Equipment
- Get in at Least 15 Minutes a Day
- Work Out While Driving
- Log Your Goals
Use Your Space
Most truck drivers are required to travel all over the country. With that in mind, your work destinations can provide the perfect opportunity to find time to exercise. Try to incorporate the use of local trails, truck-stop gyms or even some sprints in your hotel parking lot! Depending on your company and typical work routes, wherever you end up, you can use the space around you 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 an exercise video for your hotel room or pit stop.
Pack Healthy Snacks
As you make your way back onto the road, road trip snacks are obviously an essential part of the game. Instead of filling up your truck with junk food, opt for healthier options like baby carrots or veggie chips. Even if you’re traveling in a less populated area, you’re bound to find healthy alternatives in most gas stations or restaurants you stop in. Healthy food options can greatly benefit any lack of physical activity you may get when on the road and prepare you for success in your health journey.
Pack Gym Gear and Equipment
If you’re someone who doesn’t love the gym scene even when you’re not working, you may want to try packing some portable gym gear to take with you on the job. 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 take heavy gym gear or equipment on your driving routes, these lighter workout options can still keep you active while on the road.
Get in at Least 15 Minutes a Day
As a truck driver, you are bound to spend many hours of your day sitting in your commercial vehicle. This can often lead truckers to feel a little bit stir crazy. No matter your schedule, it’s important that you try to get in at least 15 minutes of exercise or simple movement a day. Help your body out in the long run and don’t let yourself feel the effects of being car locked for hours on end. By getting 15 minutes of exercise a day, you can give your body that much needed physical activity and benefit your health journey.
Visit Beacon Transport to learn more about being a truck driver in Nashville, TN today!
Work Out While Driving
When operating your commercial vehicle, safety should be one of your top priorities. However, there are a few exercises you can do while you’re driving! For example— the abdominal crunch is a great exercise to try for beginners. Work on squeezing your abs and holding it for the length of a song along your route. 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. Try lifting your shoulders up to your ears, and holding them there for a few seconds, then slowly release. You can try to do these stretches intermittently throughout your drives to get in some extra healthy physical activity.
Log Your Goals
As a trucker, another way to make sure you’re staying healthy 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 other habits you would like to continue or get rid of moving forward. Your health as a truck driver is very important and staying physically active and healthy 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.
Becoming a truck driver can be a fun and rewarding career choice. Once you’ve completed your certifications and requirements by state, you’ll be ready to hit the ground driving.
Are you ready to join the trucking industry? Check out our driver requirements for truck driving jobs in TN and contact Beacon Transport today!
