How often do you stop to take an exercise break?

exactly my point guys and gals...you dont have to "look" like your working out to actually work out. And as far as flatbedding goes that is a serious work out throwing them tarps etc around. If my lower back wasn't as screwed up as it was when I started driving I might have considered it, but with two herniated discs in the las tspinal position I decided that I probably shouldnt be doing that so I have always done the more low impact route.

 

Every time I get a flat that needs changing.

 

I thought, "How often could that be?" then noticed you're in SA.

I'll bet changing the tire itself is nothing compared to the work out you get fighting off the lions, hyenas, and odd road bandit after stopping on the highway to do it, eh?

 

The truth is I have not changed a flat on a truck in at lest 10 years.Not because we don't get flats but because I only relief drive now if there are absolutely no other drivers.I did get a scratch on my hand from a lion cub about a year ago. This was at a lion park though.Road bandit are not that odd unfortunately. Hyenas only in parks.In SA most of our main roads are really good but some of the secondary roads have been totally neglected for the last 15 years.

I do remember going for an operation on my left knee about 18 years ago.The orthopedic surgeon examining my left leg said he could see that I worked out. Amazing what the mechanical clutch (Pre easy pedal) on and old Mack could do for you.

 

Every time I load or unload....I pull a flatbed!

 

I think that is unwise advice for many truck drivers. That's just asking for a heart attack. I can see it now: truckstop parking lots littered with obese drivers who are keeling over because they got out of the truck and started doing 40-yard sprints. Many of today's drivers need a much slower exercise progression instead of jumping straight to sprints. Just walking is enough for the super-size-me-every-meal truckers that you see everywhere.

 

I left 3rd ranger battalion with a tungsten rod where my right femur was and Inoperable left shoulder(AC joint) from a bad day in Somalia. I reclassed to a communications job. was assigned to Ft. Knox because of their rehab center.
2 years later left active duty due to signal boredom, 24 months of rehab and I was not in great shape.
Got my CDL, went out for 12 weeks flatbed training with TMC. Got my solo truck at 10 weeks and went out for 5 weeks before I got home.
My wife was thrilled, after 15 weeks of chaining, tarping, tightening winches and fighting unruly bungy cords and I had lost 29 pounds and had bigger arms than when i was lifting all those weights as a Soldier. and my shoulder was hurting the first 4 weeks after that it got much stronger.Kraft a couple of T-handles on a new large bungy cord and you have a great truck gym.

 

They make a real small treadmill...that you can fold up and put in your cab or storage compartment...
It's not, I repeat not electified...it operates by gravity at a slight incline...
Something like that would be handy...I must get one...

Cause lets face it...there's just not a lot of places to run, jog, or excercise out here...

Trying to do so in a strange community or rest area or truck stop will often get the attention of the police...



Often, someone will see you running or jogging and think your fleeing the scene of a crime...next thing you know canine units are dispatched...

So a nice small portable treadmill next to your truck would work out much better...when I find out where to get it, I'll let you know...

I mean like right now...I'd love to excercise and walk around...but if I start doing jumping jacks next to the truck this time of night...some sherrif will drive by and think I'm on crack...or trying to break in...

So yes, excercising can be very awkward for drivers out here...

 

I don't do what's considered exercise. I usually park the truck in a place I have to walk a little to main building of the T/S if I can. I usually stop every 3 to 4 hours. My kidneys won't let me go much further. It also gives me excuse to walk around the truck to strecth my legs.