I may be putting the cart before the horse by trying to work out the details of my fitness-on-the-road lifestyle before I'm even on the road, but fitness *is* the most important thing in my life, and I don't think it's too early to start planning.
I was reading a study guide for the CDL tests yesterday, and came across a section that said drivers are required by federal law to stop after their first hour of driving (I think) to inspect their rigs. I think I could turn this fact to my advantage by using the time not just to inspect my truck, but to do a fast and hard kettlebell workout. I have years of experience as a serious exerciser, and have found that the best thing for me is to eat a substantial, healthy breakfast, wait a little more than an hour for my body to digest it, then do my workout. Up until now, the problem has always been how to spend that hour. I can do household chores, or read, or surf the net, but I'm prevented from doing anything that would take me very far from the kettlebell, which is my sole fitness tool.
If I were living in a truck, I could have my cold concoction of oats, nuts, fruit, and yogurt already waiting for me in a large shaker bottle in the fridge when I woke up. No need to prepare anything on waking--I'd just wake up and start drinking/chewing the stuff. At the same time, I'd be engaging in whatever preliminaries were necessary before beginning to drive for the day--safety check, route planning, etc. Once I began driving, I'd continue to drink/eat the concoction until it was gone. When it was time to stop and check the truck again, my food would be digested and I'd be full of energy. I'd do the check, then pull out the kettlebell and do a quick, intense workout in the truck stop (between 20 and 30 minutes). Then I'd hop back in the truck and get rolling. Does it sound like it would work?
An idea regarding fitness and the road lifestyle
Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by PowerOfSolitude, May 11, 2012.
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While I applaud you wanting to staying fit on the road,in reality its easier said than do. Don't expect to have time or the energy to do your excerise routine everyday. Also some of the places where you will park will not be safe to off property. What I do when I park for the night is to park as far from the main building of the T/S as I feel safe doing so. This way I can get some excerise by walking.
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I don't know of a single driver who will stop after 1 hour for the purpose of inspecting the vehicle. However, if you have enough time in your schedule and it's not a rush load, there's nothing stopping you.
Having a plan is a good thing, just be prepared to adjust the plan as necessary. No matter how well prepared you are, once you are out here on the road, things will start happening you never thought about. I encountered many surprises when I started, and I'm sure you will, too. Roll with the flow, and you'll be fine. As long as exercise is a priority for you (which it obviously is) you will figure out a way to do it.
P.S. Ignore the naysayers. The ones who say you can't are the ones who simply won't.Last edited: May 11, 2012
NEWEST NEWBY and PowerOfSolitude Thank this. -
I run laps wherever I stop almost every night. It's not hard, regardless of what some say. If you're having problems with not enough energy, it's because you're NOT exercising. I always have energy.
You're correct about stopping within the first hour. However, it's not to inspect the truck. That stop is required for a quick load securement check. Few do it, but it is technically a law.DragonTamerBrat, Cooper09 and NEWEST NEWBY Thank this. -
The new HOS regs state that you can't drive past the 8th hour w/o a 30 minute break. THAT is when you can do your workout. Those folks who make fitness and health a priority will find a way to make it happen. Those who don't...won't.
TheHealthyDriver Thanks this. -
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I ignored taking time to exercise and nearly tipped 400lbs.
I started making better food decisions and stopping to exercise and im back in the 200's .
If your determined you will find time. -
You'll figure it out once you get out there. In theory, your idea sounds good, but, in reality, it won't always happen like that. Plus, you'll have priorities daily. Since you are a truck driver, loading and running will be your first priority. Just be flexible with your workout schedule.
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