7 practical pieces of truck driver exercise equipment

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes 

Finding ways to exercise while out on the road is one of the most important parts of becoming a healthier truck driver. While many trucker workouts can be done without equipment, investing in lightweight, portable exercise equipment can allow you to do much more.  

The following are our top seven pieces of truck driver exercise equipment to keep in your cab.  

Best workout equipment for truck drivers 

1. Resistance bands.

Resistance bands are lightweight, portable and versatile, and they truck drivers to perform various strength training exercises inside or outside their cab.  

Exercises to try with resistance bands: 

• Bicep curls: Stand on the band, grasp the ends and curl up your hands towards your shoulders. 
• Sitting leg presses: Sit, loop the band around your feet and hold the ends, then extend your legs forward. 
• Shoulder presses: Stand on the band and press the ends straight up above your head. 
• Chest presses: Anchor the band behind you at chest level and press the ends forward, extending your arms. 

2. Hand weights.

Hand weights are great for maintaining upper body strength, which can help truck drivers with heavy lifting and reduce the risk of injury. 

Exercises to try with hand weights: 

• Bicep curls: Hold the weights at your sides, palms forward and curl them towards your shoulders.
• Overhead presses: Hold the weights at shoulder level and press them straight up. 
• Triceps extensions: Hold one weight with both hands overhead, then lower it behind your head and raise it again. 
• Lateral raises: Hold the weights at your sides and raise your arms out to the sides until they're parallel with the floor. 

• Front raises: Hold the weights at your sides and raise your arms straight in front of you until they're parallel with the floor. 

3. Ankle or wrist weights.

Ankle and wrist weights can be incorporated into your regular workout routine. By adding resistance, they intensify your exercises, strengthen muscles and boost endurance. 

Exercises to try with ankle or wrist weights: 

• Leg lifts: Attach the weights to your ankles and lift your leg to the side or back while standing. 
• Arm lifts: Attach the weights to your wrists and lift your arm in front of you or to your side while standing. 
• Lunges: Attach the weights to your ankles, step forward with one foot and bend both knees into a lunge. 
• High knees: Attach the weights to your ankles and march in place, lifting your knees high. 

4. Mini stepper.

A mini stepper allows truck drivers to get in cardio exercise, which can improve heart health and burn calories, without having to leave the cab. 

Exercises to try with a mini stepper: 

• Basic steps: Stand on the stepper and step up and down. 
• Side steps: Stand beside the stepper and step on and off to the side. 
• Interval training: Jump or run onto the stepper at a fast pace for short bursts of time. 
• Calf raises: Stand on the stepper and raise your heels, then lower them. 

5. Exercise mat.

An exercise mat provides a comfortable and clean surface for stretching or floor exercises, which can help truck drivers reduce muscle tension and avoid stiffness from long hours of sitting behind the wheel. 

Exercises to try: 

• Push-ups: Start in a high plank position on your mat, lower your body and then push back up. 
• Planks: Rest on your forearms and toes on the mat, keeping your body in a straight line. 
• Glute bridges: Lie on your back on the mat, bend your knees and lift your hips. 

To see what stretches to try on your exercise mat, check out our list of the best stretches for truck drivers.   

6. Kettlebell.

Kettlebells offer a full-body workout, helping truck drivers to build strength and flexibility. Their compact size makes them easy to store and use in a truck cab. 

Exercises to try with a kettlebell: 

• Kettlebell swings: Squat and pick up the kettlebell with one hand, swing it straight forward and alternate hands. 
• Kettlebell swings with snatches: Squat and pick up the kettlebell with one hand, swing it forward and pull it toward the shoulder. 
• Kettlebell squats: Hold the kettlebell at chest level with both hands, then perform a squat. 
• Kettlebell press: Hold one kettlebell in each hand in a press position and press up. 
• Kettlebell swing and press: Squat and pick up the kettlebell with one hand, swing it straight forward and press up. Alternate hands. 

7. Jump rope.

Jumping rope is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that improves agility and coordination. For truck drivers, it can be a quick and efficient way to stay active during stops.  

Exercises to try with a jump rope: 

• Basic jumps: Jump over the rope with both feet together. 
• Alternate foot jumps: Alternate your feet while jumping over the rope.  
• Criss-cross jumps: Cross your arms in front of you as you jump over the rope. 

It is recommended to consult a physician before starting a new workout routine or if extreme discomfort is felt while exercising.