How HGV Drivers Can Stay Fit and Healthy On The Road

• HGV experts, Driver Hire, say many drivers may not be eating right or exercising enough to stay healthy on the road
• They give top tips for improving health for long distance drivers and speak to UK HGV drivers

 

It’s important to make conscious choices to stay healthy at work, but it can be difficult to eat right and get the recommended daily exercise, especially if your job requires long hours out on the road.

HGV recruitment specialists Driver Hire Training, have spoken with HGV drivers Mark Clarke and Steve Bond and shared some of the top ways drivers can stay healthy at work.

 

• Eating
  Unhealthy eating habits can be picked up easily on the road, from grabbing a quick bite at fast food restaurants, to not getting enough fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

Clarke says “I will prep my evening meals ahead of time because its healthier and saves money. Typically, I will take chopped up vegetables, cheese, eggs, oat milk and fruit in the fridge. Evening meals, are mainly freshly cooked omelettes with salad or a bean chilli,”

 

Driver Hire also recommend taking breaks where shops have a range of food options, so you can make healthier food choices.

• Hydration
  Dehydration can cause a multitude of health issues from loss of alertness and increased tiredness, so it’s vital drivers drink enough. Taking a large refillable water container with you is a great way to have easy access on the road advises Driver Hire. Remember to drink water at regular intervals and avoid too many fizzy drinks or coffees is to ensure you stay healthy and hydrated.

“I take a flask of hot drink on the road with me particularly during winter and a cold drink, usually squash, to help hydration when out on the road,” adds Bond.

 

• Keep active
  The NHS recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week for adults¹, which is around half an hour a day across five days, however many drivers are missing out on exercise opportunities.

 

“Lorry driving in itself can be a physically demanding job, largely when you are moving the load on and off the lorry,” Bond had to say. “I took up road cycling due to having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 4 years ago and began a fitness regime around my job.”

Clarke added, “I go lane swimming 2-3 times a week and when I’m working away, I try and get my swimming sessions in on a Friday evening or at the weekend. Every 2-3 weeks, I try to get down to the beach and do some sea swimming!”

 

• Rest
  It’s vital to get enough sleep as a driver to ward off drowsiness and fatigue. Setting regular sleeping and rising times to cement a sleeping pattern as well as making time to pull over to stretch your legs will help you stay alert during driving times.

“There are very specific ‘rest and breaks’ requirements for professional drivers, such as those laid down in the driver’s hours rules,” says Richard Owen-Hughes, Marketing Director at Driver Hire. “But beyond the regulations, it’s also just common sense – if you’re operating potentially dangerous machinery, you really shouldn’t be working if you’re too tired to focus.”

• Mental health
  It’s also vital to de-stress and relax when spending time on the road. Make time to call and stay in touch with people during breaks and share pictures from your journeys to feel connected.

 

Drivers can also keep their mind stimulated through a variety of means such as listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and music which you can access and set up before driving. These will help stave off boredom or fatigue.

 

“I tend to read a lot and when I am parking up in the evening, I try and find somewhere with a nice scenery as a bit of escapism – sunset, fields, animals to look at. When it comes to driving, I stream Spotify playlists and have a different daily mix – it gives a good variation of music to listen to!” added Clarke.

 

Staying on top of your fitness, mental agility and health will only contribute to overall wellbeing as a driver. You can find a full guide on how to stay fit and healthy on the road, with Driver Hire’s new online guide here.

 

Sources:

¹ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/