The Fittest Driver Push-up Contest, presented by Fit to Pass and The Trucker, was designed to test the strength and conditioning of professional drivers and get them on the road to better health. The virtual online event challenged drivers to perform as many push-ups as they could in one uninterrupted set. There were separate divisions for men and women, and prizes were awarded to the top five finishers in each division.
The contest gave us so many great pleasures during the six-week competition, showing us a real “day in the life” of a professional driver who is making time to work out. Drivers demonstrated their extraordinary commitment to staying fit on the road no matter the time of day (or night) or place — wherever and whenever they could get their workouts in. We saw clips of push-ups done at truck stops, terminals, home and just about everywhere in between. Some drivers even ventured off the road for scenic videos in the desert and — my personal favorite — inside their trailers.
One of the goals of the contest was to demonstrate to drivers who are not engaged in an exercise program how simple it can be to start one by finding an exercise anyone can perform with some effort and commitment. Traditional push-ups are the perfect exercise to do — there’s no equipment needed, and push-ups are beneficial for building upper body strength. They work the triceps, chest muscles and shoulders, and when performed using good form, they can strengthen your lower back and core by engaging the abdominal muscles. Push-ups can also be an effective exercise for building overall strength.
We heard from drivers who started out only able to do 10 push-ups — and in the last week of the contest they could do more than 30.
Another goal was to help drivers discover the benefits of exercising on a regularly bases. That was evident from the responses we received from drivers when asked, “How did you benefit from the contest?” Answers included: 1) Increased strength; 2) Stress relief; and 3) Enjoyed the competition.
The most common response to us about the contest from drivers was, “When is the next one?” Well, as they say, be careful what you wish for. I’m pleased to say that more competitions are coming.
Drivers, you should be very proud of yourselves. I know all of us here at Fit To Pass are, as well as all of our corporate sponsors. Our mission at Fit To Pass is to support all drivers in living healthy on the road and protecting their livelihoods. It is professional drivers like you that help set the bar in health and well-being for your fellow drivers to follow.
Thanks again for competing, and I hope you join us in future events. Be sure to download our app for Apple or Android, and stay tuned to TheTrucker.com for more information on upcoming events.
To read more about the first place winner in the women’s division, Hannah Oldham, click here.
To read more about the first place winner in the men’s division, Lonad Westmoreland, click here.
Thanks again,
Bob “The Trucker Trainer” Perry
Bob Perry is a regular contributor to The Trucker. He has spent nearly the past four decades on a mission to educate professional drivers and share life-changing products and services to help them live healthier lives while on the road. Recognized throughout the transportation industry, from bus drivers to over-the-road professional drivers, Perry has played an important role in creating a paradigm shift helping regulatory agencies, private and public sector entities, and consumers understand the current health challenges of the professional driver. He has participated as a wellness advocate in several roundtable discussions, large audience groups and small forums as well as going “curbside” through a national truck stop tour.
Bob’s articles have been featured in The Trucker and a number of other national transportation industry publications and is the host of a weekly wellness call produced by Rolling Strong. Bob has been a regular guest on RedEye Radio and Land-Line Radio, and is often an invited guest on Sirius radio shows. He has been featured in the New York Times, Men’s Health Magazine, Drug Store News, American Road Magazine, WSJ, NPR, ABC National Radio, as well as hundreds of daily newspapers. He has appeared on television news shows across the nation, including a featured TV segment on ABC NightLine News.
