8-8 IAT Truckstop Gym

 Truckers have an opportunity to increase their fitness on the road.

 A recent article in the Idaho statesman had the headline  “New gym at Flying J in Dallas caters to long-haul truckers.” It turns out that the parking lot of this truckstop is going to be part of a chain of fitness centers designed for truck drivers. What a great idea. Truck drivers typically lead sedentary lives as they sit in the cabs of their semi’s and roll down the road. Furthermore, the food at truck stops is not exactly lean cuisine. As a result, thousands of truckers fight the Battle of the Bulge, and along with it, the co-morbid condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Apnea results in very poor sleep which leaves truckers vulnerable to falling asleep on the road while driving.

 How important are truckers and their safety to our lives? Let’s just look at the agricultural sector alone in Idaho. Here is Laura Johnson, marketing  director for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. “Trucks are critical to exports and trucks are very important to bringing all of those products to market.” So coming full circle, truck stops equipped with exercise facilities and a few more salad entrées sounds like a great idea to me.