5 stretches truck drivers should focus on

Driver for long periods can start to cause discomfort and kinks in the body, especially for truck drivers who don’t take regular breaks. Sitting in the same position for long periods, your body stiffens and blood flow slows, leading to blood clots and muscle strains in extreme cases.

Truck drivers must take to the time to stretch every day, especially during more prolonged and stressful assignments. Follow these basic stretches that anyone can start doing.

Neck rotation

Adults hold a lot of tension in their necks, especially if they sit at a desk or in another environment for over eight hours daily. To alleviate tension in the neck and shoulders, try reaching over your head and grabbing the opposite ear to pull to the shoulder and repeat on both sides. You should feel an immediate release in the neck and upper shoulder that stays with you throughout the day.

Back extension

Up to 59% of truck drivers experience lower back pain from sitting stagnant on the job. This back pain heightens if the driver has a history of poor posture. Stretch out your back regularly by standing straight up with your feet at shoulder width and place each hand on your lower back with your elbows sticking out. Slowly lean back and then return to standing up straight.

Hamstring square

Tight hamstrings are bad news because they can impact other body parts like the back, knee, and feet. To loosen up your hamstrings, face your truck, press the heels of your hands against the truck, step back, and bend at the waist at a right angle with your body and legs. Repeat on the other side as many times as desired.

Wrist extension

Since you’re grabbing the steering wheel for long hours, try a wrist extension and flexion to loosen things up. Stretch one arm out in front of you and flip your wrist up and use your other hand to bend your fingers back gently. Repeat on the other side.

Swimmer’s stretch

Help your shoulders loosen up by grabbing both hands behind your back and extending both arms. Hold and release as many times as you need to get your shoulders and back feeling loose.

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