Here’s all you need for a trucker’s gym. There is plenty of room if your trailer happens to be empty. It’s starting to get cold in most of the country, but that shouldn’t stop you from lifting a few dumbbells inside your sleeper. If you’re not sure what to do with them, Google “Dumbbell Routines” to get started. I saw one driver with his bench next to his truck. A small bench would be possible to carry in the truck. But for most dumbbell routines you can sit on your sleeper or a small bench or even small folding step ladder outside or in your trailer.

jump rope

Jumping rope can be tough. But just start slow and don’t expect to be jumping rope like “Rocky” after a few minutes. The good things about jumping rope is you don’t need to do it very long for it to be effective. And it’s a lot safer than walking around truck stops.

WillieHere’s what I use when I walk around. Dogs need to be walked. Don’t be like most of the drivers I see that stand there and watch their dog, then get back in the truck. All dogs need to be walked, even small dogs. One driver parked next to the curb blocking the driveway and let his dog out on the grass. After his dog was done he drove to a parking place.

There is so much emphasis on truck stop food, truck stops have actually changed their menus and highlighted what’s healthy to help. The concern for truckers getting enough exercise has spawned a TV reality show and one of the trucking magazines were following and helping five drivers but there hasn’t been any updates at fit4theroad for months, it doesn’t look like it lasted very long.

Depending on the list you look at, trucking is always in the top ten most dangerous jobs in America for fatalities. It’s probably higher if you throw in health issues. Being in better shape will help you drive longer, be more alert when you are driving and feel better at the end of that drive and you’ll probably be able to sleep better too. Sleep Apnea is very common in overweight men, I’ve written about it before, but if you’re overweight and you’re tired during the day no matter how much you sleep, you probably need to get checked for it.