You have all the best intentions to stick with your New Year’s resolution. You’ve noticed that you’ve put on a few pounds since you started driving across the open road, and now is the time to drop the weight. It seems like a good plan, but the more you think about it, the more you realize just how difficult it could be. After all, you’re still going to be driving a truck on a tight schedule for most of the day.
Not to fear. You can certainly keep your resolution, even if you are staying behind the wheel. Being a truck driver doesn’t mean that you have to be overweight. Getting and staying in shape may not be easy, but it is easier than it has ever been. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to a slim you.
1. Heart Health
You can’t exactly run a mile while you are driving down the highway, but you can work out your heart while you are stopped to relax or eat. Studies show that you need about 30 minutes of good exercise each day for optimal heart health. You don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once. If you stop twice a day, do 15 minutes of exercise. If you stop three times, do 10 minutes of exercise. Power walk, jump rope or jog when you stop at a rest area.
2. Weight Lifting
You should work all muscle groups in your body at least twice weekly. Hand weights and medicine balls are small enough to stash in the cab of your truck. Grab hand weights and carry them when you walk. Grab your medicine ball and lift it above your head when you get out of your truck. Aim for one to three sets of about 12 repetitions for each muscle group. If lifting weights isn’t your thing, strap on some wrist or ankle weights when you power walk.
3. Suspension Training
There is a great system available called the TRX suspension training system. It is a series of straps and handles that can be anchored to your door or other sturdy structure. You simply use your body weight to counteract your movements. When you are done exercising, you unhook it from whatever object you were using to hold it, roll it up and store it away.
4. Eat Often
It surprises people how often they should be eating if they really want to lose weight. You should be fueling your body every three hours. Eat a good breakfast and then eat every three hours for the rest of the day. Doing this can keep away hunger that causes you to binge eat. Just make sure healthy options comprise your meal.
5. Keep a Log
Writing down what you eat keeps you accountable, even if only to yourself. Write down what you eat and how much you exercise. If you don’t want to keep a written log, there are dozens of apps to choose from that will help you keep track of such things.
You don’t have to be out of shape simply because you drive a truck. You don’t have to forego your resolution because you spend most of your time behind the wheel. Use the tips above to ensure that you are as healthy as you can be while operating your rig. While you are thinking about yourself, pause a moment to think about your truck. Is your semi-truck roadside assistance policy adequate? Contact our team to find out.
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