Resistance Training
Running is my favorite exercise. The idea of running for an hour on a wooded trail represents freedom for me. Realizing that you have been running for an hour and you’re not tired yet is even better. Re
sistance training is not my favorite form of exercise. I have aged. I know that I run my best when I am doing some consistent resistance training. Now, it seems that without consistent resistance training I can’t run at all.
Resistance training is not what it used to be. It is not about getting all pumped up like Arnold. It is more about strength that size. Pumping iron might even reduce your size. People are taking to resistance training for a variety of reasons. Many people do it to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Some do it to look better. I am doing it mainly to strengthen my core. That way I can run again-without pain.
I used to have a dedicated run. I could hit the YMCA every Tuesday and Thursday to lift. That is not
an option in my current operation. For me machine circuit training was ideal. I have seen some truck drivers set up and lift live weights outside of their trucks. That is admirable. I just can’t see carrying a bench and weights in my truck.
That leaves resistance bands. I have tried those before without any success. I received a FIT (Freightliner in cab training) system. It requires a special tool to mount the front half. I did not have that tool, so I just put it off. I asked a local Freightliner dealer to install the front floor brackets while I was there demonstrating a DT12 equipped Evolution for a customer. They charged me $30. Then I still put off resistance training. Finally I started running again-my back hurt. I could not run more than a half mile without stopping for back pain.
I stopped resisting the FIT system. I started using it about a month ago. The circuit takes me less than 15 minutes. It is working. I can now run over 3 miles with no back pain. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings I use it. I run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sunday I do what I want. Usually it is a bike ride or a kayak trip. Winter is coming up here in northeast Wisconsin and my cross country skis are calling my name. Resistance training should help me with that too.
So, over the next few blogs I will write about some resistance training for truckers. The FIT system is the center of what I am doing. I will also be going over some easy leg exercises. These leg exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the knees and prevent the most common running injuries. Resistance training will never be my favorite thing to do. At this point I realize that 45 minutes a week can make my favorite thing not only possible, but better.