Thirty minutes five times a week.
According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, that’s all the time you need to spend walking to get sufficient exercise to stay healthy and prevent disease.
Yes, that can often be easier said than done if you are sitting and driving for many of your waking hours. But, try some of the tips below, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly the steps start adding up.
- Skip that parking place closest to the truck stop at lunch and find one a bit further away to add some extra steps. For the sake of safety, park closer at night.
- When you go shopping — even for groceries — do a few extra laps of the store. Do this and going to the mall is better than going to the gym.
- At home, go for a walk after dinner with your spouse, significant other or kids to catch up on the day and log a few more steps.
- If you’re waiting to load or unload and conditions allow, take a walk instead of sitting in your cab looking at Facebook.
- Have a meeting with a fellow driver or someone in the office? See if they can walk while you talk.
- Let other drivers know what you’re doing and ask them to join you.
As always, check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program, be sure to walk only in places where you are safe, keep your smartphone with you, and wear sensible, supportive shoes to protect your feet.