Good Health on the road?
- Thread starter bushrod
- Start date
I carry a fold up Bicycle made by the Dahon Company . I keep it in the box,when I am at a mall or Supercenter I get it out, assemble it,20 seconds, and chug around the perimiter. Cost about $150 but well worth,I am determined not to be one of those guys that keels over at 55 years old.
use to park at the back of truck stop and walk back and force
and walk around the truck stop fence line
and sometime others would join end and a group of us would go at
it and after a couple of lap's we would all go inside and
drink coffee and tell fish stories and one that got away
running local never knew until i started how much work it is
and walk around the truck stop fence line
and sometime others would join end and a group of us would go at
it and after a couple of lap's we would all go inside and
drink coffee and tell fish stories and one that got away
running local never knew until i started how much work it is
I have managed to stay in fairly good shape by just doing a lot of walking when I have time during a layover or wait period. I'm no super-jock, but have not put on too much weight since I started as a driver.
I had a recent experience where I had to transfer and drive a small tractor between my truck and that of a fellow contractor. I felt very bad for this fellow, because he was around my age (36) and due to his weight could not climb from the ground to get into the box of his truck. His wife had to un-secure the load, and back my truck to theirs (at shop and not running) and I then backed the tractor into my box. My thought was what would we have done had his wife not been there?
Good health on the road is something you really have to consider and keep up on. According to the Governator Arnold Schwartzenegger, any physical activity that you can do, even walking for 15 or 20 minutes a day, will be a huge benefit. I think every trucker out there can find that kind of time, you know, the same time it takes to build that pile of chloesterol on to the buffet plate or smoke that cigarette
-Weave-
I had a recent experience where I had to transfer and drive a small tractor between my truck and that of a fellow contractor. I felt very bad for this fellow, because he was around my age (36) and due to his weight could not climb from the ground to get into the box of his truck. His wife had to un-secure the load, and back my truck to theirs (at shop and not running) and I then backed the tractor into my box. My thought was what would we have done had his wife not been there?
Good health on the road is something you really have to consider and keep up on. According to the Governator Arnold Schwartzenegger, any physical activity that you can do, even walking for 15 or 20 minutes a day, will be a huge benefit. I think every trucker out there can find that kind of time, you know, the same time it takes to build that pile of chloesterol on to the buffet plate or smoke that cigarette
-Weave-
A few years ago there was a movement to open Fitness Centers in Truckstops. Quess what they went out of business in record time. Great idea the investors had. They just did not research there potential customers very well, and of course pricing was a huge factor. Physical fitness is the biggest obstacle that drivers face everyday. I hope everyone is attempting to do something to stay in shape. Great post, thanks!
Lonleyboy515
Expert Expediter
I couldn't agree more.We take our dog with us all the time it allows us to get a little walk in every couple of hrs.It seems he nows when we are gettng close to a rest area,thats great when the weather is nice but it sure not pleasent when it is raining or snowing.:+
FLEET/OWNER
PROFESSION
20 YEARS OTR
15 EXPEDITE
FLEET/OWNER
PROFESSION
20 YEARS OTR
15 EXPEDITE
plumcrazy8
Expert Expediter
Great subject. Could someone out there with a background in marketing get the Bowflex people to make a unit you could bolt right into the back wall of your sleeper? Man what a deal that would be. There's got to be a way they could do it, maybe even mount the main apparatus up above with pulleys coming down to the lower bunk. Whataya think?
I remember the Truck Stop fitness centers. They really did not do any market research. I believe there were lawsuits at the end as in order to get financing the founders lied to the investemnt banks and stated that large fleets like JB Hunt were going to sign up all of their drivers etc. The idea had great potential but the guys who would benefit from the program the most didn't use the facilities.
Twmaster
Expert Expediter
Like others here I walk. My knees and ankles could never stand up to any running. I have managed to lose a bit of weight and build strength in my legs. I feel a bit better too.
--
Mike N
Faster than a speeding poulet.
Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)
--
Mike N
Faster than a speeding poulet.
Owner/Operator Big 'B'
Experienced
10 years auto transport
2 years local/distance expedite
Laurel, MD (Washington DC area)
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
Awoke at 5:00 AM this morning, cleaned a building for my wife that she took over for me 2 hours drove to the gym one hour work out. Drove to the Dealership and Picked up truck had PM done. Brought it back home spent 3 -4 hours washing it in and out. I am now paying for both activities.
I belong to a gym that gets me into a gym while on the road, if a gym in that city does not participate costs me usually at most $8.00 to use the facility and I also get a shower. Utilize gyms people its great and you will feel energized and much more comfortable behind the wheel. I try to work out twice a week. If not I begin to stiffen up amazing what a few years over 20 how the body begins to do that.
I have lost two pounds since I started this new diet of truck stops also. Go Figure.
I belong to a gym that gets me into a gym while on the road, if a gym in that city does not participate costs me usually at most $8.00 to use the facility and I also get a shower. Utilize gyms people its great and you will feel energized and much more comfortable behind the wheel. I try to work out twice a week. If not I begin to stiffen up amazing what a few years over 20 how the body begins to do that.
I have lost two pounds since I started this new diet of truck stops also. Go Figure.
Many ways to stay fit on the road.
1) First of all remember that diet is the key word here. I call it proper nutrition, cut back on the high fat foods such as cheese cake and pies. Eat more vegetables raw or cooked. Stop putting salt on things. Their is enough of that already in the food.
2) Rest when you are tied
3) If you cant get to a gym any area you can walk will help with you cardiovascular system. I know I use to walk my to dogs 2 miles a day every day and I lost 4# in 5 weeks.
4)To help tone your body muscles do what I call my "UP's"
push ups, sit ups, chin ups, pull ups.
The chin ups and pull ups could be the hardest to find a way to do on the road BUT if you see a bar in the air that can hold your weight you got it made.
5) Don't worry if you can't do a lot of them do what you can and try to do the same next time you do them and increase by one. Do them a few times a day.
6) For the legs do one legged squats. Lower yourself down as far as you can then raise up. The leg thats lifted should be raised out in front of you. The more you do the lower you will go in the excerise and you will feel in in the thighs.
7) for the calfs muscles do toe raises. Do both legs together than do on one leg at a time with the other leg lifted.
I've found this to work for me for the last 18 years.
I'm 6'00", 191#, 20% body fat, BP 112/80.
"THE Diet is the key factor"
PS when you get good on the push ups add a 20# sand bag to your shoulder and start over.
These are simple. cost free, and they work the body out well.
Just be dedicated to yourself and your cause.
Starbear
(Future Expediter):+
1) First of all remember that diet is the key word here. I call it proper nutrition, cut back on the high fat foods such as cheese cake and pies. Eat more vegetables raw or cooked. Stop putting salt on things. Their is enough of that already in the food.
2) Rest when you are tied
3) If you cant get to a gym any area you can walk will help with you cardiovascular system. I know I use to walk my to dogs 2 miles a day every day and I lost 4# in 5 weeks.
4)To help tone your body muscles do what I call my "UP's"
push ups, sit ups, chin ups, pull ups.
The chin ups and pull ups could be the hardest to find a way to do on the road BUT if you see a bar in the air that can hold your weight you got it made.
5) Don't worry if you can't do a lot of them do what you can and try to do the same next time you do them and increase by one. Do them a few times a day.
6) For the legs do one legged squats. Lower yourself down as far as you can then raise up. The leg thats lifted should be raised out in front of you. The more you do the lower you will go in the excerise and you will feel in in the thighs.
7) for the calfs muscles do toe raises. Do both legs together than do on one leg at a time with the other leg lifted.
I've found this to work for me for the last 18 years.
I'm 6'00", 191#, 20% body fat, BP 112/80.
"THE Diet is the key factor"
PS when you get good on the push ups add a 20# sand bag to your shoulder and start over.
These are simple. cost free, and they work the body out well.
Just be dedicated to yourself and your cause.
Starbear
(Future Expediter):+
I like to do the PUSH AWAYS!
What I mean is push away from the buffet.I like to eat smaller portions,so why should I have to pay the same as the 3 trip gluttens?
Instead when dining in the TS,I order off the menu.Whith the enormous servings,I can take my doggie bag and feast on another meal or two.
We only dine inside once a day.Other times its leftovers,or Lean Crusine from our freezer.We have a freezer that holds about a dozen at a time.
What I mean is push away from the buffet.I like to eat smaller portions,so why should I have to pay the same as the 3 trip gluttens?
Instead when dining in the TS,I order off the menu.Whith the enormous servings,I can take my doggie bag and feast on another meal or two.
We only dine inside once a day.Other times its leftovers,or Lean Crusine from our freezer.We have a freezer that holds about a dozen at a time.
When we drove a fleet owner's reefer truck, we used it as a climate-controlled gym for working out. That worked at truck stops where showers were available. We're not in a reefer truck now but will be soon - this time in a truck of our own. We plan to make physical fitness a top priority then.
While it's not a serious amount of weight or major change in blood test results, we don't like the fat that has come into our lives since we started trucking 17 months ago. As team drivers and expediters, we have no 10 hour HOS reset times with the truck not moving like solo drivers have. If there is freight, we keep the truck moving. That makes it really hard to find regular time to exericse.
Busy as we sometimes are, we often can't afford the time it takes to to find and get to a gym or acceptable walking area. Truck stops are not acceptable walking areas for us. The air there is filled with diesel particulates. Our free time often comes in the middle of the night. Walking laps around the lot is unplesant and unsafe. You have to dodge the urine puddles, keep an eye over your shoulder, and be very careful you don't turn an ankle by stepping into a rut or pot hole not seen in the dark. The lots are loud and dirty. If out walking, we prefer a more serene and contemplative setting).
By outfitting the back as our private gym and including a shower in the sleeper as we are, we'll be able to work out and clean up anywhere, anytime, in any weather. And to do so, we won't have to go further than the truck.
We'll use the reefer to establish room temperature. Furniture pads make great exercise mats. To get the heart moving and break sweat we have a jump rope and mini-stair stepper. Running in place, side-straddle-hops, and squat-thrusts do the same. I'll hook my toes under load bars when doing sit-ups. E-track decking bars can be used to set up a crude set of parallel bars. Small free weights are used to provide an upper-body workout. We even had a TV cable routed into the box in case we want to watch TV while we work out. (By choice, we don't have a TV in the truck now. We don't miss it at all from home. But we're wired up if we change our mind.)
Exercise is not just about keeping the weight off or building strength. Stretching and bending will, we believe, do a great deal to reduce the risk of injury as we do the hands-on, heavy-freight moving we often do as White Glove drivers.
One of our goals is to achieve our recommended BMI (body mass index) within a year of acquiring our new truck. The truck's kitchen and larger refrigerator will help improve our diet.
We spec'ed the truck partly with diet and exercise in mind. It feels good to feel good. We're eager to get back into good-health routines.
While it's not a serious amount of weight or major change in blood test results, we don't like the fat that has come into our lives since we started trucking 17 months ago. As team drivers and expediters, we have no 10 hour HOS reset times with the truck not moving like solo drivers have. If there is freight, we keep the truck moving. That makes it really hard to find regular time to exericse.
Busy as we sometimes are, we often can't afford the time it takes to to find and get to a gym or acceptable walking area. Truck stops are not acceptable walking areas for us. The air there is filled with diesel particulates. Our free time often comes in the middle of the night. Walking laps around the lot is unplesant and unsafe. You have to dodge the urine puddles, keep an eye over your shoulder, and be very careful you don't turn an ankle by stepping into a rut or pot hole not seen in the dark. The lots are loud and dirty. If out walking, we prefer a more serene and contemplative setting).
By outfitting the back as our private gym and including a shower in the sleeper as we are, we'll be able to work out and clean up anywhere, anytime, in any weather. And to do so, we won't have to go further than the truck.
We'll use the reefer to establish room temperature. Furniture pads make great exercise mats. To get the heart moving and break sweat we have a jump rope and mini-stair stepper. Running in place, side-straddle-hops, and squat-thrusts do the same. I'll hook my toes under load bars when doing sit-ups. E-track decking bars can be used to set up a crude set of parallel bars. Small free weights are used to provide an upper-body workout. We even had a TV cable routed into the box in case we want to watch TV while we work out. (By choice, we don't have a TV in the truck now. We don't miss it at all from home. But we're wired up if we change our mind.)
Exercise is not just about keeping the weight off or building strength. Stretching and bending will, we believe, do a great deal to reduce the risk of injury as we do the hands-on, heavy-freight moving we often do as White Glove drivers.
One of our goals is to achieve our recommended BMI (body mass index) within a year of acquiring our new truck. The truck's kitchen and larger refrigerator will help improve our diet.
We spec'ed the truck partly with diet and exercise in mind. It feels good to feel good. We're eager to get back into good-health routines.
G
guest
Guest
How do you plan on balancing out the priorities, as a team, of getting into shape with remaining in service and accepting most loads offered?
Do you plan on thoroughly cleaning out the box after each time you have carried HAZMAT, but before you use it as a "gym"?
Do you plan on thoroughly cleaning out the box after each time you have carried HAZMAT, but before you use it as a "gym"?
>How do you plan on balancing out the priorities, as a team,
>of getting into shape with remaining in service and
>accepting most loads offered?
>
>Do you plan on thoroughly cleaning out the box after each
>time you have carried HAZMAT, but before you use it as a
>"gym"?
Unless we're running loads back to back with immediate pickups after each delivery, there is time to work out between loads while remaining in service. While we won't be working out every day, we will do so several times a week.
HAZMAT loads we haul now leave the back of the truck as clean upon delivery as at the pickup. The exception is dust from the road that comes in through the door seals while driving and perhaps some wood slivers from a pallet. HAZMAT loads are generally cleaner freight than general freight. They are better packaged.
>of getting into shape with remaining in service and
>accepting most loads offered?
>
>Do you plan on thoroughly cleaning out the box after each
>time you have carried HAZMAT, but before you use it as a
>"gym"?
Unless we're running loads back to back with immediate pickups after each delivery, there is time to work out between loads while remaining in service. While we won't be working out every day, we will do so several times a week.
HAZMAT loads we haul now leave the back of the truck as clean upon delivery as at the pickup. The exception is dust from the road that comes in through the door seals while driving and perhaps some wood slivers from a pallet. HAZMAT loads are generally cleaner freight than general freight. They are better packaged.
I would agree with most of the posts here that walking is probably the best and most convenient exercise you can do as a driver, although it does get a little tough in the bad weather. Push-ups, sit ups, pull-ups, are all good exercises you can do without having to carry any equipment.
There are some other things you can buy, one used to be called a Bull Worker, best way I can describe it is like a giant shock absorber that you can squeeze together for arm strength, and it's got some other things you can do to work the legs and other muscles. There are a few things you can buy at any good sporting goods store, that work based on tension and will work your muscles similar to weight lifting, without having to take up all the space in your truck that a weight set would.
It's also not a bad idea to invest in good walking shoes, even if they're work boots, you can get some that are pretty good with shock absorbtion.
I would agree that diet is also very important. I think it's probably easier to eat healthy out on the road now than it ever has been. I eat very often at Subway which are in most of the Pilot Truck Stops. I try to get the lower fat sandwiches, like turkey, and whatever I get I load with vegetables. And I've also found the salads at Wendy's very good. Arby's has pretty good salads too.
And if you need some soluble fiber for your cholesterol, you can always carry instant oatmeal and get hot water from a truck stop. It's actually pretty good, especially in the cold weather.
Hope this helps.
Sarkus
There are some other things you can buy, one used to be called a Bull Worker, best way I can describe it is like a giant shock absorber that you can squeeze together for arm strength, and it's got some other things you can do to work the legs and other muscles. There are a few things you can buy at any good sporting goods store, that work based on tension and will work your muscles similar to weight lifting, without having to take up all the space in your truck that a weight set would.
It's also not a bad idea to invest in good walking shoes, even if they're work boots, you can get some that are pretty good with shock absorbtion.
I would agree that diet is also very important. I think it's probably easier to eat healthy out on the road now than it ever has been. I eat very often at Subway which are in most of the Pilot Truck Stops. I try to get the lower fat sandwiches, like turkey, and whatever I get I load with vegetables. And I've also found the salads at Wendy's very good. Arby's has pretty good salads too.
And if you need some soluble fiber for your cholesterol, you can always carry instant oatmeal and get hot water from a truck stop. It's actually pretty good, especially in the cold weather.
Hope this helps.
Sarkus
Interesting thread...
I enjoyed all the answers. Me, I'm too lazy to work out. But I did have a basketball hoop mounted on e-track on one of the trucks before I sold it. (Removeable)
Not only did I get a mild workout while having fun, generally a few other drivers would join in. All I needed was the blacktop parking lot.
Or I enjoyed my putter and a few golf balls. Just putting around, an old gezzer having fun.
Even carry a chessboard...you would be surprised how many great games you can enjoy in any randon truckstop. Always a crowd. Not all "workouts" are for the body.
And I certainly enjoy walking. Just walking around looking at different things, or talking to local people.
Such an interesting world...
Toes
I enjoyed all the answers. Me, I'm too lazy to work out. But I did have a basketball hoop mounted on e-track on one of the trucks before I sold it. (Removeable)
Not only did I get a mild workout while having fun, generally a few other drivers would join in. All I needed was the blacktop parking lot.
Or I enjoyed my putter and a few golf balls. Just putting around, an old gezzer having fun.
Even carry a chessboard...you would be surprised how many great games you can enjoy in any randon truckstop. Always a crowd. Not all "workouts" are for the body.
And I certainly enjoy walking. Just walking around looking at different things, or talking to local people.
Such an interesting world...
Toes
G
guest
Guest
You suit yourself of course, but there is no way I would risk using the box for a gym if HAZMAT has been in there.
In my opinion walking and being careful with the diet is a better choice, and certainly with a smaller truck ( than tractor/trailer unit ) one can find definitely find appropriate places to walk.
In my opinion walking and being careful with the diet is a better choice, and certainly with a smaller truck ( than tractor/trailer unit ) one can find definitely find appropriate places to walk.
Canuk have you ever hauled a hazmat load in your life? A-Team has it right Hazmat loads are cleaner than a lot of the general freight we carry.The worst are recently machined parts in a metal tub.Cutting oil leaks all over the foor,but it not hazmat.Leaking hazmat loads are refused,and it is the shippers responsobility to make sure it is not leaking when put on.It is then our responsobility to secure it so no damage causes a leak.Its just basic common sense.