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| Getting Fit |
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Improve Your Health by Getting Fit
Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart. A healthy heart helps keep blood pressure low. Regular physical activity also helps control your weight and reduces stress.
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For professional drivers, it may be more challenging to find the time or place to exercise. But you can increase your physical activity, at home and on the road. |
Take it one gear at a time.
Just 30 minutes of activity three times per week can help relieve mental and physical tension and aid in controlling your weight.
What fits your schedule? What kind of activity are you likely to stick with? Find something small you can do to start off and gradually make exercise a part of your daily routine.
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 | Start slowly and work your way up. Just a little more activity in your day can help you.
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| Make it a habit. Setting a routine will help you "find time." Make an appointment with yourself to be active on a regular basis. When loading or unloading seems to be taking too long, take that time to exercise.
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| Have fun. Pick activities you will enjoy, whether that's hiking, tennis, bowling or yard work. If it isn't fun, you won't stick with it.
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| Be creative. Look for ways to boost your daily activity. Park at the far end of the rest stop. Take the steps instead of an elevator. Step in and out of your truck 10 times after stopping for a meal. Or walk around your truck 10 times. Every extra step helps!
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| Bring it with you. Try lifting weights to increase muscle tone and strength, reduce your stress, and lose weight. You can bring free weights with you on long hauls. A 20-30 minute weight-lifting routine will go a long way toward getting you to your fitness goals. |
Things to avoid:
| Don't overdo it! Your activity should be moderate. You should be able to talk normally during your physical activity. Don't get out of breath.
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| Beat the heat! Avoid outdoor activities in the middle of the day and on days when humidity is high. |
You Don't Have to Join a Gym!
Just doing simple activities on a regular basis can help lower blood pressure and increase your overall health.
Your activity only needs to total 30 to 60 minutes a day—even if that means 10 minutes taking the stairs instead of the elevator, 10 minutes taking your dog for a brisk walk, or 10 minutes spent walking around your truck after a meal.
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