When youre on the road, it is difficult to maintain a healthy exercise regimen. This is especially true for truck drivers that are sitting in their trucks for hours upon hours nearly every single day of the week. But just because you are sedentary much of the time does not mean that you cant still get some exercise. And you dont need a lot of time a fancy gym to do so. Here are 3 quick ways that you can keep fit, and combine that with a healthy diet and you will be more alert and feel better all around.
Walk
Walking is the best medicine for your body. It helps prevent arthritis, reduce the risk of heart disease, negate the effects of over-eating, and a whole host of other issues. So why dont people walk more? The primary reason is that they feel like they dont have time.
It is understandable that if youre a truck driver on a very tight deadline that you dont want to take time out of your driving to get some exercise. But everyone has to fill up with gas. During the 10 minutes or so that the fuel is pumping into the vehicle, walk around the truck stop. If youre not a trucker, a 10 minute break at one of the numerous rest areas wont do much to your travel time.
Use a Ball
A soccer ball is great for keeping fit when you cant go very far. Sure you can always kick it around a bit, but here are a few things that you can do while staying mostly stationary.
Toe Taps Put the ball in front of you and jog in place. Tap the top of the ball with your toe then put that foot back on the ground. Now tap with the other foot. Alternate back and forth going as fast as you can.
Pushups Sure you can do pushups without a ball, but try putting one hand on the ball and the other on the floor. The uneven nature will work different muscles, and the unsteady ball will work even more. Just dont bulk up one side too much.
Dribble Dribble in a circle, around the building, to the front of the car and back, or however you want. It will get you exercise, keep your coordination honed, and help boost brain power.
Stationary Exercises
If you forgot your soccer ball, or thats just not your style, you can keep fit by spending just a few minutes at every break with some other exercise. Jumping jacks are always great to get the blood flowing, pushups and situps will tone muscles, high knees help increase the heart rate, and one legged squats perfect balance.
You Try It
Next time you feel you dont have time to hit the gym or go and get a full workout, remember that working out doesnt have to be extensive or intensive. It can be as simple as a few five minute breaks throughout the day where you move around and keep your heart rate up. One of the perks is that your body will be happier, and help you stay alert longer. No more need for dangerous energy drinks, and you will save a lot of money on doctor visits.
