Truck Stop Fitness Centers

[dwightladon]

How many drivers out there would make use of a fitness center at truck stops? I wish there were more opportunities for getting a workout in while on the road. Are there others who feel the same way?

[classicxl]

if they put one in and had some decent equipment you bet

[terrylamar]

A similar suggestion, why doesn't truck stops have communal shower facilities like the health clubs or military. I would rather use those than have to wait on a private shower. I'm not a voyeur, but I got over my inhibitions a long time ago.

[EasyRolln]

I agree with classicxl, only if it had decent equipment. I'd fear for my safety if it was cheap and rickety. As far as the communal showers, no thank you. Even at my local gym, there are some images that I'd rather do without.

[SmoothCruizer]

need info if there is one on the east coast I-95 or close...... thanx

[classicxl]

no communal showers that would be a scary site

[Jason607]

The comunial showers... big NO. It's bad enough we get such little privacy as is. That could only lead to problems.

A fitness center is something I cannot understand why they don't have. They have lounges, which is OK but come on, like drivers need to rest their feet or something. So, instead of sitting in front of a windshield, your sitting in front of a TV. There are way too many fat, lazy people as is, and trucking, it's even worse.

Of course you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink, but for us thirsty horses, we would like the oppertunity. Try exersizing outside.... all the exaust, then that nasty ground, plus the wierdo's who like to watch people. No thanks.

I think it would be hard getting a gym in truck stops because of the liability.

[classicxl]

first you would have to convince the truck stop to give up some room for free and then they would have a hard time with the liability issue in case someone gets hurt. We all know the insurance companies control everything

[tweety bird]

When I was first driving a little over 11 years ago there were a few truck stops with communal showers or places where I'd have to put a chair in front of the door because there were no locks.

These days truck stop showers- though they may leave a lot to be desired- ain't so bad.

But as far as truck stop gyms go... didn't they try that with the Rolling Strong Truckers' Gyms a few years back.

Am I dating myself here or what?

The Rolling Strong Truckers' Gyms were around during the time of Park N View. They had trailers set up at various truck stops (a lot of them, really) and the exercise equipment was in them- sort of like the truck stop chapels have, but for health nuts!

To answer the OP honestly, I would LOVE it if truck stops had good gyms- decent treadmills/stair masters etc. But in reality, I never had time to stop and do it. I do some modified aerobics in the truck now- but even so, finding the time when I'm on the road is hard. I think truckers in general won't take the time to exercise and that's why the Rolling Strong deal shut down.

[tweety bird]

Someone ought to move this to "anything and everything truck driver related" IMO

[Lewis friend]

I think the communal shower thing won't fly because the truckstop needs to control water usage; They either wan't $5 or a 50 gal minimum fuel up.

No free showers.

It's getting to the point where i'm considering this as a viable alternative:

http://www.truckshower.com/

[cecole74]

Yes! I am a competitive archer so I must lift weights and stay active. I would DEFINATLY use facility's if proveded

[shyykatt]

hmm, if all truckers got 'buff' then I would not be able to whistle at the fatties trying to climb into their trucks

[coastie]

Originally Posted by terrylamar

A similar suggestion, why doesn't truck stops have communal shower facilities like the health clubs or military.

out of 13 years of Military service, after Boot Camp always had a semi private Shower, even on the ships I was on.

I say No Way to that. All ready have to beat off the Gay's in the restrooms..

[Capt._Chaos]

Originally Posted by tweety bird

But as far as truck stop gyms go... didn't they try that with the Rolling Strong Truckers' Gyms a few years back.

Am I dating myself here or what?

The Rolling Strong Truckers' Gyms were around during the time of Park N View. They had trailers set up at various truck stops (a lot of them, really) and the exercise equipment was in them- sort of like the truck stop chapels have, but for health nuts!

To answer the OP honestly, I would LOVE it if truck stops had good gyms- decent treadmills/stair masters etc. But in reality, I never had time to stop and do it. I do some modified aerobics in the truck now- but even so, finding the time when I'm on the road is hard. I think truckers in general won't take the time to exercise and that's why the Rolling Strong deal shut down.

I had a membership with Rolling Strong when they were around, but when it's considered how badly out of shape most truck drivers are (with most having little or no concern about it), I wasn't surprised when I saw them close their doors.

I've been driving for 11 years now, most of it OTR, and I have carried weights with me for strength training.

Depending on where you're parked, it's not always safe & practical to get a good cardiovascular workout in- traffic & the safety of the surrounding area are big concerns. I like to jog or go for a ride on my mountain bike that I carry with me often, but when the weather is bad I try to find a treadmill to use somewhere.

[fit trucker]

Originally Posted by "coastie out of 13 years of Military service, after Boot Camp always had a semi private Shower, even on the ships I was on.

I say No Way to that. All ready have to [i

beat off the Gay's[/i] in the restrooms..

I think if you would just leave them alone you'd be OK

Also, truck stop gyms could perhaps work if there was a membership required and decent equipment.
I carry dumbbells and roller blades as well as running and hiking shoes.
If you can't find the time for exercise 3-4 times a week your just not trying. It's easy and I now have places around the country that I have been to a number of times to hike or run and try and coordinate my travel so I can take the time to do it.

[kingajo]

Its easy to carry a bike in the truck. If not a full size mountain bike you can get a Dahon that will fold up and ride. And its an awesome way to see some of the places where you might be laid over. Riding a bike is a great cardio workout. It only takes 30 minutes 3 or 4 days a week. And a jump rope is even easier to carry along.



KINGAJO

[TruTrucK]

I was thinking about a Truck stop with Nice steam showers, laundry facilities and a gym with decent equipment would be a big hit.

But I can tell you there is alot more money in selling snacks and other things (meaning the owners usually want as much room for this type stuff rather then a gym!)

I was considering buying a small truck stop and offering good hot steam shower, (with a strong emphasase on cleanleness) laundry facilities, a gym, a good truck wash,and small restaurant, I think truckers are going to more larger facilities (Flying J etc)

not sure my concept would be profitable, and if I could get a enough truckers to stop in a smaller Truck stop?

[Useless]

Who needs a truck stop gym??

I always got plenty of physycal activity.

I'd climb out of my truck and walk into the truck stop, unless there was a JB Hunt recruiter banging on doors and assaulting anyone within a 50ft. radius, in which case, I'd run!!

That took care of the workout from the waist down.

Then, I'd hit the cafe, order up a chicken fried steak, and start exercising my arms and wrists, along with my jaws!!

Then, I'd walk across the street to the nearest tavern, and exercise my elbow; after that, I'd stumble back across the street, and stumble back to my truck, where I would then proceed to urinate on the tires of the truck parked next to mine.

Then, I'd climb back into my truck, and pour myself into the bunk.

Nope!! No neede for a truck stop gym!!

[terrylamar]

Originally Posted by coastie

out of 13 years of Military service, after Boot Camp always had a semi private Shower, even on the ships I was on.

I say No Way to that. All ready have to beat off the Gay's in the restrooms..

Now, why would anyone care if a communal shower was available in addition to a private shower? It would be a time saving option to the lines waiting for a private shower. It could be offered as a 2 fer 1. Two communal showers for the price of a private shower. All I'm looking at is the time wasted waiting for a shower. Instead of waiting in line or waiting for off peak times showers are not in high demand, I would use a communal shower. Quick in and out and clean I be.