It's A Long-Haul: How To Stay Healthy When You Drive A Truck
If you've recently passed your training to become a professional truck driver, you're prepared for the business end of your new career. However, classroom training doesn't prepare you for the fitness end of it. While working as a long-haul trucker is a great way to earn a living, the hours spent behind the wheel can wreak havoc on your body. To help keep you fit, here are four tips you should add to your daily routine.
Get Your Exercise
As a long-haul trucker, you're going to spend most of your time behind the wheel. Driving as far as you can in one day is the only way you're going to stay on schedule. Unfortunately, your muscles and joints are going to pay the price. To stay healthy, you've got to keep getting your exercise. That doesn't mean you need to join a gym in every city along the way. It does mean that you need to dedicate about 30 minutes out of your day to exercise. Each time you stop, spend a few minutes taking a brisk walk, or doing a few leg lunges. The added exercise will improve your circulation. It will also keep your muscles and joints limber.
Drink Water
You may be drinking plenty of coffee and soda on the road, but you also need to add clear water to the mix. While the coffee and soda will refresh you – and keep you awake – they won't give you proper hydration. For maximum health benefits on the road, be sure to keep a bottle of water on you at all times.
Pack Healthy Snacks
You won't always have time to stop for a healthy meal while you're on the road. Instead of reaching for chips and other unhealthy snacks, pack your truck with plenty of healthy alternatives. Keep fresh fruit and veggies on hand to curb the hunger pangs while you're driving. Not only will you curb your appetite, you'll prevent the weight gain associated with greasy snack foods.
Take Restroom Breaks
You may save time by avoiding your bathroom breaks, but you're setting yourself up for health problems. Holding your urine – or bowel movements – while you're on the road can lead to kidney problems and hemorrhoids. Kidney stones and hemorrhoids can be downright uncomfortable while you're trying to drive. If they get bad enough, you may have to miss work while you recuperate. Protect your health, and avoid sick days, by taking frequent restroom breaks along your route.
Now that you're beginning your career as a long-haul trucker, use the helpful tips provided here to keep yourself healthy.