Most people have a hard enough time making time to exercise when they're at home. Being on the road, as most truckers are, provides even more excuses: no room, no gym, no equipment.
But we all know how important exercise is to our mental and physical health, especially when your job involves mostly sitting on your butt. So here are some ideas of ways to make it easier to exercise wherever you stop.
The key is not to think that you have to carve out an hour or two to work up a sweat. Just 10 minutes here and there can really add up, whether you're waiting for your shower, waiting for your load, or even just waking up a little bit earlier.
Folding Bike
Here's a solution to exercise on the road that also helps get you to places your truck can't go. A folding bicycle takes up little space in the cab, can be set up in a matter of seconds, and allows you to explore a town or countryside while getting your heart pumping. Dahon is a Los Angeles-based company that makes a wide-range of bikes, some emphasizing comfort, some built for speed, and some to be as compact as possible when folded. The Helios XL is a comfortable, strong, rust-resistant bike that folds small and has a suspension seatpost, for added comfort. The Zero G is more of a traditional mountain bike and doesn't fold down as compact, but weighs only 27 pounds and can easily be stowed in your cab.
Cost: Helios XL-$799; Zero G-$1,199
To Buy: Go to www.dahon.com
Water-Filled Weights
Don't give up your weight-training program just because you're not near a gym. These collapsible weights weigh 24 ounces when collapsed. Just fill the water chambers (four per dumbbell) with water and attach them to the soft cushioned grip bars. At their maximum, each dumbbell weighs 16 pounds when filled. Added advantages are that these are soft, reducing the possibility of damaging your cab, and quiet.
Cost: Two dumbbells, 16-pounds each when filled-$49.95
To Buy: Go to www.aquabells.com, or call (800) 987-6892.
Jump Rope
Think this is just for schoolkids? Think again! Just 10 minutes of jumping rope at an easy pace burns more calories than 30 minutes of walking. That means it's the perfect exercise for those with limited time, and limited space. You can stash a rope anywhere, and all you need is a decent pair of shoes. You can even do it outside, beside your truck, while waiting for a load. Jumping is a good cardiovascular toner that also strengthens the upper and lower body. One caution: it does put stress on your knees, ankles and hips, but experts say if done properly, it's a lower impact activity than jogging. Be sure to get the right length of jump rope. For an online lesson in jumping rope, go to www.ropesport.com.
Cost: $7.95-$10.95
To Buy: www.jumpropestore.com
