Health problems are problematic for truck drivers in the UK and across the world. The long hours of driving take a toll on your health. Back problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea are conditions that are associated with obesity, but also with the long hours on the road.
These
tips will help you stay healthy and fit on the road.
Exercises
from Your Seat
If
you think you cannot exercise when you are driving, you will be happy to know
that isometric exercises are simple muscle contractions you can use when you
are stopped at a traffic light or stuck in traffic. Some of the exercises you
can do include glute squeezes, abdominal squeezes, shoulder shrugs, and core
exercises.
Sit
up straight in your seat, bring your shoulders back while tucking in your chin
to align your ears and shoulders. Squeeze your abdominals by drawing in your
belly button and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. You can start with 3 or 4
repetitions and work up to 10.
Stretches
for Pain Relief and Tight Muscles
Being
on the road for long hours makes your muscles tight and sore. Stretching is a
good way to relief muscle tension and give your body a break. You can either do
these stretches while sitting in your seat or on the floor of your truck.
· Neck Rotations
· Wrist Bends
· Chest Pulls
· Shoulder Pulls
Stretches you can perform when you are outside of your truck include:
· Quad Stretches
· Hamstring Square
· Arm Rotations
· Leg Lunges
You
should not try these exercises and stretches while you are driving. The best
times to exercise when you are on the road is when you are stopped for a few
minutes or when you are taking a break.
Calorie-Burning
Compound Exercises
Compound
exercises engage coordinated muscle groups. They burn more calories and improve
balance, coordination, muscular endurance, cardiovascular function, and help
reduce the risk of injury. These exercises are designed to be performed outside
your truck unless you have space on the truck floor to do them.
· Planking
· Push Ups
· Crunches
· Squats
Other
Exercises and Tips
If
you like weight training, you can take along some dumbbells or exercise bands
for exercising when you are out of the truck.
Taking a short run, long walk, or other forms of exercise that will offset the effects of sitting on the road.
You
can track your fitness with a fitness tracker on your mobile phone or on a
wearable fitness tracker watch. Apps that remind you to exercise and drink
water are helpful tools for truck drivers.
Who We Are
D & D Transport is a provider of professional and quality haulage services with over 25 years of experience. They serve the Nottingham area with transport services across Europe and the United Kingdom.
If you need access to any kind of transport services, D & D Transport is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more or to get a free quote please contact us.