Healthy Trucking

You can always find a parking space

I was loading at a place near Milwaukee and was required to purchase the pallets on which my freight was placed. I didn’t have any cash in my pocket or any checks with me. I had to go to an ATM and use my debit card to get some cash.
     The nearest one was about eight blocks away, according to the shipper. He agreed to let me back in to my dock door and load my trailer while I went to get the cash. I thought briefly about dropping my trailer and bobtailing to the ATM, but then I remembered that I had my bike with me, and it would most likely be faster to just jump on it and pedal for the cash.
     I explained the situation to my dog, and she immediately became excited because she loves running alongside while I ride. There was snow on the ground, but the streets were pretty dry and the weather was not too cold.
     So we set out. When I got to the convenience store, I realized that there was no way I would have gotten the truck in there, even without the trailer. But with the bicycle, I had front door parking. Plus I got an invigorating exercise moment. At first, I barely had to pedal, because the dog was pulling me, so eager to run. But I still got a fair amount of exercise when she decided not to pull anymore.
     I got back with the cash, my trailer was nearly loaded, my metabolism was pumped up, I was awake and ready to roll. I'm glad I did it.
     It is not always easy to get the exercise we need as drivers. I just demonstrated one way to do it while accomplishing another task at the same time. I also do a workout from behind the wheel, even while driving – a resistance training, muscle-building routine. Then there is the 19th wheel. I use it almost daily in many places, like the shower rooms, loading docks, truck stop parking lots, etc.
     I lost 180 pounds as a truck driver with the Safety Thru Wellness program. I feel better, not just physically, but feel better about myself. I have a lot more fun, am much healthier, have more energy and get more done. I learned how to eat properly while on the road. The combination of a good eating strategy and proper exercise will result in better health for you, too.
     Go to safetythruwellness.com to view the details and order your book and wheel. Tell your company and fellow drivers about it and begin a little contest within your company. You could win while you lose!     

Jack Kelsh is a professional driver and certified sports nutritionist.