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Feature Article: Custom built
February 1, 2010
| by: Carolyn Magner
Custom built
Truck show competition and bodybuilding draw on similar characteristics
Competing in a bodybuilding contest is a lot like competing in a truck beauty show. It requires extreme planning, discipline and attitude. For East Coast Large Cars owner Richie Acosta, applying a custom approach to building both his truck and his body has paid off not just in trophies but in a lifetime of successful ventures that includes the launch of a n ew annual truck beauty show.
Owner-operator Acosta, 41, from New Ferry, N.J., drives a prize-winn ing 2005 custom Peterbilt 379 extended hood. The married father of twin si x-year-old girls has been trucking for 20 years and has competed in body-building competitions for much of that time. He knows firsthand how difficult it can be to combine trucking with good health and fitness but believes it’s a matter of attitude that makes the difference. Bodybuilding is his hobby, but Acosta says trucking is his passion, and he applies his personal philosophy of excellence to both.
Health and fitness
“It’s not easy to eat healthy on the road. It’s a real challenge to figure out what to order and how to make good nutrition decisions,” Acosta says. “Add unpredictable sleep patterns, limited food choices and long, sedentary hours to the day, and it’s not hard to see why truckers struggle with health and fitness.
“I know what it’s like out there and I’ve walked in those same shoes. When a trucker asks me how I manage to keep myself in good enough physical condition to compete in bodybuilding shows, I tell them I don’t do anything that they couldn’t start doing if they had the right information.”
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I wish there was a driver like Richie to inspire me back when I was a road driver.
I did just what he said, drive all day and have a big meal off the buffet just before bed, before I knew it I was 250 pounds at only 5’5″.
I’m still a driver, local now since 2006 and I’m down to 187 pounds. It takes a lot of discipline and having the knowledge to help make the right decisions when it comes to nutrition.
I’ve been following Richie, his show truck and fitness routine now for a few years, the man is an inspiration to many and is the best of what this industry has to offer.
Thanks for the great article on a real American trucking legend!
i need to know how to schedule my drives to fit in work outs. i start with a trucking company at the end of the month and i know it sound trivial but since i have not had experience i want to know how easy it is to work out on the road. and even more important how to get to a gym. i know about body weight exercises and dumbells but the problem is my heavey days of squats, bench, deadlifts and so on.
Class act. Badass Pete. Great ambassador to the trucking industry. Thank you Richie, for all of your contributions to our great industry.
My husband started driving last year and soon I will be accompanying him at least every other trip out – about 17 days per. He follows a menu similar to what you describe – it did take some planning, but he’s got it down now.
I’m putting my routine together now. I usually work out 60-120 mins per day. Most concerned about cardio in bad weather – but will be bringing a fold up step for step ups as I can do this in a small space. Plan to do interval with step up, light weights, calisthenics (abs,chest,legs). I’ve traveled the country and have to say that it scares me what I see truckers eating at the stops and fast food. All I can say is “STOP IT” – there ARE good choices available – but you’ve got to decide not to be a heart attack waiting to happen. Lost 100 pounds 20 years ago guys – know it can be done
At last! Someone who underasntds! Thanks for posting!
Strongly considering taking up a career in the trucking industry, and reading this has inspired me more, because I value my physical health and fitness very much. It’s no secret that many truckers live very unhealthy lifestyles, but it all could be avoided with some planning and discipline. If I was going to recommend anything to anyone, I’d say GET A JUMP ROPE. I dont’ think jumping rope gets enough credit as a workout. It’s even more intense than running and will help you in so many ways. Takes some getting used to but it’s so worth it, add some bodyweight exercises and you can still be healthier than the average joe.