TRUCKER FITNESS - MAKING EXERCISE EASY ON THE ROAD

A few years back, we wrote a blog that highlighted simple ways truckers can stay fit while on the road (read it here). Because exercise is beneficial for staying alert and efficient behind the wheel, we wanted to remind our Oakley family of some quick tips and tricks for staying fit on the go.

It’s as simple as committing to even just four minutes of exercise a day. Try easy movements like walking, running, jumping jacks and crunches, slowly building up to 15 minutes of consecutive work. Travel with small weights and resistance bands that you can pull out for a few moments at a truck stop. If you are stuck on what exercises you should do, check out the Active Trucker Fitness Program (available on Google Play and Apple App store).

Although these tips are something every type of trucker can implement, with it being the end of July, the summer heat can put a damper on exercising outdoors. Trucker News offers a few suggestions on how to stay safe while you workout this summer in their article 5 Tips for Exercising Safely in Summer's Heat

Firstly, make sure you are hydrated before and after physical activity. This doesn’t just include water. Try eating popsicles made with real fruit (no sugar!), chilled fresh fruit like watermelon, smoothies, raw veggies like celery and cucumber, etc.

Second, get your timing right. The best time to exercise is in the morning, before the sun comes up.  According to Trucker News, “it’s usually hottest outside between noon and 3 p.m. and it remains warm into the later afternoon.” However, if it’s still too hot in the morning, try some body weight exercises like crunches pushups, jumping jacks and planks inside your cab.

Buy breathable clothing, like sweat wicking shirts and hats, and make sure to put on sunscreen. If you choose to exercise during the day in the heat, take it easy, especially if you have any health issues. Always make sure to check with your doctor first. “According to the American Heart Association, some medicines like beta blockers, ace receptor blockers, ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics can impact the body’s response to heat,” the Trucker News article stated.

Lastly, know when to stop, taking notice of early signs of dehydration. Those include, “thirst. dry or sticky mouth, dry or cool skin, headache, muscle cramps, dark-colored urine, dizziness, etc.”

Like we said in our last blog - “whatever your regimen may be, always keep this in mind: Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

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