Sitting all day has been shown to increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, plus it can lead to muscle weakness, back pain, and more. As a truck driver, you can’t exactly get up and move around the office like some people with jobs that require extended periods of sitting, but there are still things you can do to fight back against the toll that sitting all day can cause. Try these exercises to keep your body fit when you’re spending long days on the road.
Take a Walk
Taking a walk is an easy and free way to get your blood pumping and your legs moving. Many rest areas have trails around, which allow you to get some fresh air and some downtime and exercise off the road. If you’re not near a rest area with trails, a few laps around the truck stop parking lot will do the trick. You can go for a long walk once a day, or take a quick 10-minute strolls every time to stop to build up activity over the course of the day.
Keep Exercise Equipment in Your Cab
A few hand weights, a kettlebell, or some exercise bands are just some of the portable fitness equipment you can take with you on the road. Arm lifts, squats, leg lifts, and crunches will help your body recover from being sedentary behind the wheel, and they will also help your muscles and joints loosen up, so that you’ll be less prone to pain.
Stretch Before and After Driving
Soreness and muscle stiffness can be serious issues for drivers. You can help to reduce the risk that they will be a problem for you by stretching before and after long drives. Spending just five minutes stretching each can significantly reduce your chances of feeling stiff and sore.
At Phoenix Driving School at Ft. Bliss, we give you all of the tools you need to thrive in your new career as a truck driver. Learn more about our El Paso truck driving school by calling (877) 206-8344.
