Driving a truck is more than just maneuvering a big rig for long hours — it’s also about keeping your body in good shape. The reality of sitting for long stretches can make your muscles feel tighter than a lug nut, but with a few easy exercises, you can break free from stiffness and maintain your flexibility.
Getty Images
Let’s roll through some of the best exercises for truckers.
Gentle Neck Stretches
Keeping your eyes on the road often leads to a stiff neck. Counteract this by slowly nodding your head up and down, then shaking it side to side. Simple neck exercises like these help to keep your neck limber.
Shoulder Rolls
Feeling the tension building up in your shoulders? Shoulder rolls are your friend. Roll your shoulders forward and backward in a circular motion. Doing this for a minute or so a few times throughout the day can help alleviate tension.
Arm Stretches
Staying stationary can restrict blood flow. Remedy this with some arm stretches. Extend an arm in front of you, use your other hand to gently pull it across your body, and hold. Swap arms after about 30 seconds.
Torso Twists
Your back can also take a hit from prolonged sitting. Slow twists from side to side can keep your spine flexible and ease any discomfort.
Seated Leg Workouts
While sitting, lift one leg off the seat for a few seconds, then switch legs. Extend one leg straight out in front of you, hold, then switch. These simple exercises promote blood flow in your legs.
Walking or Jogging
During your breaks, a brisk walk or jog around the rest area can boost overall blood flow and flexibility. It’s a great way to stretch those legs and get a change of scenery.
Quick Squats
Squats are another great exercise during your breaks. They help maintain your leg strength and flexibility. Just stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower your body as though sitting, then stand back up.
Lunges
Lunges are a great exercise to promote leg flexibility. Simply step forward with one foot, lower your body, then push back up and repeat with the other leg.
Stretch It Out
Basic stretches like touching your toes can prevent your muscles from tightening up. Remember to always keep your movements gentle to avoid any potential injuries.
Deep Breathing
Lastly, deep breathing exercises help to reduce stress and keep your muscles well-oxygenated. Breathe in deeply, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. It’s like a mini meditation session!
Long hours on the road don’t have to compromise your fitness. These exercises, simple yet effective, can help keep your body limber and your spirits high. At Truline Trucking, we value the well-being of our team as much as we value their skills on the road.
If you’re looking for a company that cares about you, consider joining our team. Check out our careers page to learn more about our current job openings. With Truline, let’s navigate the journey to better health together!
