I'm planning on driving flatbed (hopefully Maverick) as a second career. I will retire from law enforcement in a year and a half. I will be 51 years old. So I have 18 months to get in good enough shape so I don't die trying to keep up with the young bucks. Any advice on a good exercise program?
UFC Fit. A bit older program, but good plan. I have lost some weight on that. Especially the diet part.
Stair step excercise and ride a bicycle is about all you will need. Get a folding bicycle to carry in the truck.
You will be surprised how weak many of these young bucks are. Want an exercise regimen? Grab a lumber tarp and carrying it around your truck as many times as you can. Heavy cardio. Put your gloves on and do pull-ups on the rub rail. Do your push ups and lunges. Sleep when it's time to sleep. Without sleep, good sleep, you will never be 100%. Luck in battle.
I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I was a weak cross-country athlete when I started doing open-deck at Melton 5 years ago. The wind could've pushed me over. What I lacked in outright strength and load securement knowledge I made up for with a sense of urgency and timeliness along with a willingness to learn. I'd wager your physical fitness level is on par. I don't see too many "young bucks" out here at shippers securing their load in a timely manner. I wouldn't worry about either if I were you. I'd be focusing on learning your HOS. Since that is literally going to be the biggest factor in your paycheck at Maverick -- how many hours you have left.
Go drive for boyd and run a curtain side. But do normal morning burpies and lunges in the am. Then walk around the trk stop in the evening. You should bbe fine
Give the bad guys a head start before chasing after them. Really, I'm looking into doing the same thing when I retire in a couple years. I will be 60 years old at that time so I'm also curious about the responses you receive. I was thinking about getting a heavy dead ball and lugging it around the house.
I've been watching Dale Clay and Craig Ryan on YouTube. They are in my age range and seem to be doing fine with the physicality of the job. I guess I'm more worried about the training. I've read about Melton and TMC training in some forums and people make it sound like Marine boot camp. I just want to make sure I'm in good enough shape so I don't get sent home before I start.
Try a Total Gym, like C. Norris advertises, great for range of motion and adding strength to the shoulders and butt. As a police officer, you know that getting the job done is what matters, that will serve you well. As a Mover, I have seen countless muscle heads come in and be gone in a week.
You don't have to be that much in shape. I drive for Melton. Good securement habits make your job easier. Working efficiently and not spinning your wheels. That comes with watching and learning from older more experienced guys and borrowing their habits. Good luck.
