Being a professional driver is an occupation that demands a lot from the individual. For a job to get done properly, the driver is the most important factor. Without professional drivers, essential transport comes to a standstill. Therefore, the wellbeing our professional drivers is paramount. But how can a driver influence their own wellbeing in a positive direction?
Having worked in the transport industry for more than 25 years and put in many miles behind the wheel, he has made some simple changes to develop his work environment into a more balanced, stronger and sustainable place than before. What Peter Martinsson has changed in recent years is that he has started to move around. Driver in motion is the name of his Instagram account where he “wants to inspire movement in our driver’s jobs that provides a stronger body that helps to prevent injury.”
Why do you think it is important to inspire movement in your occupation?
– Because we drivers have to hold out all the way. All the training and movement I show is to maintain their physical shape so we can age in our occupation; it’s about strengthening and loosening the body to prevent injuries.
Is the need extra great among those who work as drivers? Why do you think this is?
– I think so. Since I started the account, I’ve had lot of comments from other drivers about how much they appreciate my exercises. After all, this is not exercise to build muscle, become better looking or anything like that. My exercises are about training mobility and strengthening joints so that we as drivers can hold out all the way. It is about preventing stiffness in the neck, shoulders, ankles and knees.
Part of today's YKB courses is about Ergonomics & Health. The course participants get information about proper ergonomics, the importance of good physical fitness and diet. The course includes information about the effects of stress an d fatigue and the importance of sleep. But Peter doesn't think that's enough. He believes that we need to talk more about this within the working group and in the workplace. His goal is to show how easy it is, what positive effects it gives and to be one of those who lead the way in ensuring that we see more drivers in motion in our rest areas.
How do you do that then and how long does it take for it to count as motion?
– We drivers don’t sit still all day; we load, unload, jump in and out of the cab and are in motion even when the wheels of the truck are stationary. But what I notice has made a big difference for me and my physical and mental health is that it is enough to shake the body up, to do something that isn’t among the usual movements that make up the working day. Five minutes that get the body going without getting sweaty is enough. The “5 minuter” is to increase circulation and so prevent blood clots, which unfortunately are common in my line of work.
What are the obstacles to just getting started if it is so clear what benefits the training gives?
– Attitudes that still exist in the professional group, perhaps even the view of oneself as a non-training person. Many people don't get it into a habit. It's easy to start scrolling through your phone, and so on. But there I am on Instagram and remind them that they can put down the phone and go out and move their body around a bit instead and feel both physically and mentally stronger - even if they only move around for 5 minutes.”
Is it possible to get more people moving? How is your account received by your followers? What are the opinions?
– Yes, I believe that, I believe that the new generation of drivers and our better knowledge of the importance of a healthy lifestyle will have an impact. I notice every day that I have already inspired many with my simple exercises. At least give it a try, it's easy - you don't need anything other than what you have with you in the vehicle. So get going!
As long as the statistics show accidents, injuries, exhaustion and sick leave, it must be repeated: Look after your physical and mental health! Ultimately, this is a question of safety – your own and that of others.
Here are some strength exercises you can try next time it's time to park your truck and get moving.
