Truck drivers should exercise on the road to improve their health

Truck drivers can improve their health by consistently incorporating exercise into their routine, according to Dr. Mark Manera, founder and CEO of Supply Chain Fitness. During a webinar organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), he emphasized the importance of setting small goals and building a routine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults engage in 150 minutes of exercise per week, or about 20 minutes a day. Rodolfo Giacoman, CVSA fatigue management specialist, explained that exercise can enhance alertness, promote better sleep, and lower stress. He also highlighted the five steps to wellness: sleep, relationships, mindfulness, nutrition, and exercise.

Manera recommended focusing on reducing waist circumference, on how a driver feels, how he sleeps, and on energy levels rather than obsessing about weight. He also suggested interval training for cardiopulmonary needs and resistance training using the body or weights to increase strength, muscle and bone density, and growth. Stretching and balancing can also improve flexibility and ease discomfort after long hours of driving. Drivers can find ways to incorporate exercise into their schedule, whether it’s stretching during their 30-minute break or working out while waiting for a trailer to be loaded. Manera also advised to be cautious and wear reflective gear when exercising outside the vehicle, and suggested in-cab exercises as an alternative. He emphasized the importance of stretching after driving and warming up before engaging in physical activities.