I've been driving truck for approximately eight years hauling beef render material, agricultural bulk goods, coal and rock - much of the time pulling doubles OFF of the Interstate. Just recently in 2005 - 2007 I realized the serious health consequences driving had caused me. I knew I had to do something, so I took a two-year break, working low-wage jobs while obtaining a membership to our local YMCA. It was there that I began a weight training and light cardio workout regimen using a tried and proven lifting setup:
Monday: Deltoids, Triceps, Abs
Tuesday: Back, Traps
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Legs, Forearms, Abs
Friday: Chest, Biceps
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Off
Complete with a very well researched diet plan containing high protein, 30% carbs and 12% fats, I SLOWLY lost weight and gained some of it back as lean muscle. It is now September 2007 and I'm suddenly faced with the fact that I must now return to the road as local jobs won't cut it for a family of our size.
I grew very accustomed to the great feeling of being back in shape again. But I also realized not every driver is able to simply take a two-year vacation from the rig and sacrifice like I had to in order to GET back into shape again. I began researching and planning on paper, the concept of locating a small weight and cardio gym nearby every major (and even some large yet minor) truck stops across the nation, starting with along Interstate highways first. The mission: To improve the entire on-road transportation infrastructure and it's resilience driver-by-driver by providing everyone the opportunity to spend an hour a day working out with weight training (important - don't have to be a bodybuilder!) and cardio equipment in a decent heated indoor environment (or air conditioned if during Summer).
I hit the banks with the idea and all I got was laughter and snide comments such as "With the sub-prime mortgage debacle you see right now, you've seen what happens when too much risk is assumed. And you want to start gyms for the most intentionally out-of-shape individuals in our nation? Sorry."
I don't buy this attitude. Much of the health risk for truckers and businessmen is the fact that they can't stop in every city where there may be a YMCA. In the case of truckers, there aren't always truck routes to the nearest gyms. The choice is to either unhook and bobtail deep within a city where you don't know the layout... or ... pay a taxi driver hard-earned money to get you there and back.
I refused to give up, but it's apparent investors and bankers for the most part aren't sympathetic to those who keep groceries on their store shelves and office supplies in their offices - the truck driver.
I have been involved in business after helping my parents to set up and run a local frozen yogurt shop. I've also managed two restaurants for short durations, always to eventually end up back in the seat of a truck since even foodservice managers only earn on average 1/4 of a truck driver's income - if even that.
I joined this board to do some demographics research to see if the laughter of the bankers was warranted. My questions I'd like answered by those of you who frequent this board are as follows:
1: Would you like to see, and would you use an indoor fitness facility if within 1/2 mile of truck stops?
2: What would you like to see in such a facility which you'd use mostly?
3: Would you use them often enough to keep the doors open and lights on?
4: HOW OFTEN would you use such a facility?
If there is enough positive input, I would consider trading in my truck driving career for setting up small gyms near truck stops all across the U.S. - one by one, sweat drop by sweat drop.
Blood clots in legs, strokes, muscle wasting and heart attacks aren't a glamorous way of earning a living. I desire very strongly to provide an opportunity for ALL to leave behind such health problems and to reap longevity and health instead.
Your input is greatly appreciated. Let me hear from ya!
Finally - Fitness Center @ Every Truck Stop(??)
Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by kschanaman, Sep 1, 2007.
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Hey, a jacuzzi and masseuse aren't such a bad idea! What would feel better then a nice massage after sitting in that seat all day. Yeah, I'd probably use the gyms. That is another one of my concerns about driving otr. Last thing I need is another reason for my body to deteriorate even further. I used to go six days a week for a couple years... stopped watching the tv altogether...
It would be really good for your body, after sitting so long like that.
That kind of inactivity is not good for your circulation
Yeah, I'd use it. -
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I think this is a great idea--I've only driven a truck for a year and a half but had noticed the weight I'd gained and the accompanying flab (sexy, yes?
). Also kschanaman, along with those health problems you listed I would include elevated blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes due to lack of opportunity to do aerobic and strength training . Obviously a discussion of diet and smoking (for those who smoke) would have to be addressed as well but exercise is integral and the key component that is most lacking and hardest to resolve while on the road-especially in the wintertime.
Yes plenty of times people are exhausted, I've been so tired after a long run that I'd have to negotiate with myself to get up to go to the bathroom . But then there are also times when you're waiting on a load assignment and do have some free time. I think the benefits of exercise are too important to ignore and am glad that some people are starting to take their health care more seriously in this industry.
But I wouldn't scoff at the banker's statement-"With the sub-prime mortgage debacle you see right now, you've seen what happens when too much risk is assumed. And you want to start gyms for the most intentionally out-of-shape individuals in our nation? Sorry."
He's looking at it from a business standpoint and his observation of truckers is very likely shared by many others. We only have ourselves to blame. -
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