Like the rest of America’s 3.5 million truckers, staying healthy on the road is a challenge. There are few opportunities to eat anywhere other than truck stops, and they aren’t exactly famous for offering calorie-conscious meals. Opportunities to move and access health care are also few and far between.
Truck Drivers’ Risk for Diabetes Far Greater Than National Average
As a result, truckers are in bad shape. More than 50 percent of them are obese -? nearly twice the national obesity rate — and they have a 50 percent higher prevalence of diabetes compared to the general population, according to National Institute of Health statistics.
Hopefully, the situation is about to change. Companies that promote wellness have begun to view truckers as an ideal target for their services.
Arlington-based Snap Fitness, in conjunction with the wellness company Rolling Strong is opening gyms at truck stops nationwide. The first one is a 1,000-square-foot facility located at the Flying J on Interstate 20 in Dallas, one of the busiest truck routes in the country.
“Truckers have huge unmet needs because of their lifestyle. Hopefully, the fitness centers help fill the void,” said Gary Findley, Snap’s chief operating officer.
Besides their Snap partnership, Rolling Strong offers truck-side health evaluations that include a blood pressure check, body fat measurement, and weigh-in. They provide printed workout manuals plus a special internet health channel where truckers can log on for fitness classes and videos promoting healthy lifestyle habits.
Later this year, they will be introducing an exercise kit for in-cab workouts and a line of sandwiches made with natural ingredients that will be sold alongside the usual fried and battered truck stop fare. A series of roadside health clinics are also in the works.
Bob Perry, founder of Rolling Strong was a trucker himself. His two brothers are truckers. His father was a trucker for 50 years. He said his company’s initiatives are essential for improving the lives of truckers.
“Truckers are the ones who carry the country,” he said. “They deserve access to fitness centers and good food and health care like the rest of us.”
Bob Perry hopes this is just the start of a trend towards a nation of healthier drivers.
“We need to change the trucker culture so obesity and bad health aren’t the norms,” he said. “We need to keep them going so they can continue to do their jobs and get home healthy and happy to their families.”