If you’re truly serious about being a long-haul truck driver, you’re going to need to be in the best shape possible. If you’re not, you’ll inevitably suffer the consequences making it difficult to stay fit and healthy as a truck driver.
Truck drivers may not be some of the fittest and healthy people on the planet. But you need to be. It takes a lot of energy and discipline to be a truck driver. Not to mention you always have to stay compliant and adhere to dot operating authority rules and regulations. You usually have to deal with long hours and are away from home for long periods of time while staying compliant and safe on the road. It would help if you were in good physical shape to deal with the stress and the long hours. Most truck drivers are in their late 20s to early 50s. You won’t just need to stay in shape because you have to do a lot of lifting, but also to stay alert and generally healthy.
Replace your snacks with healthier options
This is a big one when trying to stay fit and healthy as a truck driver., especially if you’re on the road all day. Why? Because the truck stop is not your friend. But if you want to stay healthy, it is! It’s actually your best friend because that’s where you’re going to be able to find lots of healthy options at a low price. Many truck drivers will argue that they are saving money by not eating the healthy options and instead getting a whole bunch of snacks. But those snacks are actually costing you a lot more money in the long run. Instead of getting 2 or 3 bags of chips, why not get apples and carrots? Instead of getting a candy bar, why not get an energy bar? This way, you can save a lot more money and still have a healthy diet.
Consume a proper diet and stay hydrated
Being a truck driver is a tough job. It often involves long hours on the road and difficult deadlines to meet. The stress of the job can take a toll on the body, and being unfit and unhealthy can lead to serious health problems in the long term. However, there are many simple things you can do to stay in shape and stay healthy. One of the most important things to do is to stay hydrated. You should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day to keep your body functioning well. It is also important to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and proteins. A diet high in protein will help you stay strong and build muscle mass.
Stop and exercise every few minutes to hours
Trying to stay fit and healthy as a truck driver is important, but it is significant for those who have long hours behind the wheel. The lifestyle of a truck driver can be very sedentary. Many drivers spend most of their time in the truck and little time outside. In fact, it’s not unusual for a long-distance driver to spend more than 70 hours a week in the truck.
In addition to the long hours behind the wheel, many drivers don’t have a schedule that allows them to work regular hours. This means that truck drivers may work a 14-hour day followed by a 10-hour day. When you add it all up, it’s easy to see how a truck driver can gain weight, develop high blood pressure and earn the reputation of being a couch potato. Hence, it’d be best to have a 15-minute workout routine every day and stretches every few minutes to hours to stay fit and alert.
Improve posture with ergonomics
If you’re a truck driver, you may or may not have noticed that you don’t have a good posture, and you’re not the tallest person in the room. Sitting in a truck all day, especially if it’s not set up correctly, can cause bad posture and a lot of pain. Sitting in a truck cab all day can take its toll on the body, especially since you’re not moving around and getting your blood pumping. Your neck and back can feel sore and stiff. Sometimes this can be alleviated with stretching or even a visit to a chiropractor. But what if there was a better way to prevent the pain? A combination of ergonomic truck seats and good posture can go a long way in improving your health on the road.
If you want to improve your posture, you should try to set up your truck as ergonomically as possible. The seats you sit on, the steering wheel you use, the mirrors you look out of, and the pedals you press should all be designed for your body. Many companies have ergonomic experts who can advise you on doing this with your truck to stay fit and healthy as a truck driver.
