Question:
I'm a local driver with four years experience. I have recently been laid off and I'm thinking I might go OTR. I've run OTR for 6 months when I fist started driving, so I know what I'm getting into. The one thing I'm concerned about is getting out of shape. How many of you workout on a regular bases? I'm thinking a membership at a 24hr fitness might work. They have over 300 locations and are open 24hrs a day. Are there many truck stops with gyms?

Answer:
I don't feel there's enough time to do it right when you're OTR.
So the thing to do would be to get in shape before you go long distance. I was a bicycle courier before I got into trucks and it really helped me during those 10 hours drives.
When astronauts go up and live in those space stations for months at a time, they lose muscle and bone mass--there's nothing you can do. So, they get in shape before going.
I've got a few OTR friends who say they workout whenever possible at truckstop gyms but it does not seem to be consistent.
Now, maybe it CAN be done, but I just don't see how because there's really no time when you're OTR to do it right.

Answer:
It's true you may not be able to workout on a "Regular" basis, but If You Utilize your Time Wisely you Can workout evry now & then.
I've seen some drvrs that carry bicycles with them.(some drvrs mount them on the back of the cat-walk, some drvrs have those expensive bikes that Fold Up & they keep them in their sleepers.)
Some Drvrs carry a small set of Dumbells/hand wts.
Isometric exercises in the sleeper worked for me.(I wore a set of wrist wts & a set of ankle wts while I worked out.)
Walking/Jogging around the trkstp lot or the lot at the customer.(if the customer is in a decent neighborhood, you could walk/jog around the block & around the neighborhood.)
I used to get to my destination the night before or early that morning, before the customer opened & walk around the block a few times.
If/when you get a layover...try to find a 24hr gym or check into a hotel that has a fitness center.
***If you ever get a layover in the NW part of OKC, give me a call & we can use the fitness center at my Church.(The Wellness Center at Crossings includes a strength and a cardio room. The strength room includes 11 pieces of individualized strength equipment, a cable crossover(universal machine), and dumbbells. The cardio room includes three treadmills, three ellipticals (cross trainers) and two recumbent bikes.)

Answer:
Absolutely! You can also buy a set of powerblocks-dumbbells that stack together and are very compact.
20-30min 3-5x per week is all you need to stay in shape. If you don't have even that kind of time....well, you may be running a wee bit illegally.

Answer:
The super tank yanker he is is a fitness buff. He'd be the one to ask!
As far as the gym, it's a great idea.......but where ya gonna park the truck
1: stay off the buffet...
I see guys all the time with small/med weights taking brisk walks in the truck stops.

Answer:
.
[This message was edited by LoriAz on January 13, 2004 at 8:39.]

Answer:
Cessna, I was thinking I hit the 24hr fitness at 2 or 3 AM. I should have plenty of room to park at that hour. Or bob tail in.

Answer:
consists of 2 plain everyday 26" bicycle inner tubes! You'd be surprised the workout you can get from them. And they're lightweight.....compact.....and very portable!
Plus I do the walking thing too!
Works for me!
OT
quando due segreti di parte della gente... quei segreti diventano più preziosi...
"TFBU - Ancient Guru of Unknowable Knowledge" "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
Abraham Lincoln

Answer:
Lump the freight yourself instead of hiring someone to do it. That will help you stay in shape. Nothing like a floor load on a 53 footer stacked 6 feet high. Speaking of which I got one to unload first thing Monday morning.
The truth will always prevail.

Answer:
Originally posted by big_h:
Lump the freight yourself instead of hiring someone to do it. That will help you stay in shape. Nothing like a floor load on a 53 footer stacked 6 feet high. Speaking of which I got one to unload first thing Monday morning.
The truth will always prevail.
ONLY if the rate that you get is the same or more than a lumper would get.
Another thing you could do, is to park at the back of the T/S lot and WALK to the T/S. After having some of that "great T/S food", walk a couple of laps around the T/S.
If you notice, most drivers that park at the front of the T/S lot are also in shape.....ROUND!

Answer:
Originally posted by MidnightRider:
I'm thinking a membership at a 24hr fitness might work. They have over 300 locations and are open 24hrs a day.
Yeah but good luck finding a parking spot for your truck. You may end up getting more exercise walking to the facility than you do once you are in it...
Are there many truck stops with gyms?
I can count the ones I have seen on one hand and have several fingers left...and I am not sure I'd want to use those that do exist. Anywhere trucksers go so goes the trash, smell, etc...
@#*!%$^@!
Answer:
Perhaps you are good at multitasking. If so this may be for you: www.thetruckgym.com
I still feel the best way is to get in shape before going. Then you can concentrate 100% on OTR duties.

Answer:
If anyone tells you that you are "out of shape," politely remind them that round IS a shape!
MrClark
"What, me worry?" -A.E.N.—Groucho Marx 1890-1977

Answer:
Don't even think about using the reason (excuse) that there isn't enough time to work out on the road! It boils down to time management and having the will, determination, and discipline to get off your butt and do it! With the new H.O.S. coming up, there will be plenty of time to get some kind of exercise in. I am viewed as extreme by some because of what I keep on my truck with me and use extensively; (2) adjustable dumbbell handles, a 5' straight bar, a cambered "E-Z" curl bar, and 170 pounds of free weights. More later if anyone's interested...
Carlo 0351/8151/6531 I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S
Truck #553
"Pain is weakness leaving the body."
"Nobody ever drowned in their own sweat."