With the average driver covering up to 3,000 miles each week, developing and maintaining driver fitness programs poses a significant challenge for fleet managers.
For the 3.5 million long-haul drivers in the U.S., this extensive travel often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in various health and sleep issues. A survey revealed that 69% of truck drivers were classified as obese, and 54% were smokers. Like many individuals in jobs requiring prolonged sitting, drivers struggle to find time for physical activity.
However, there are solutions to facilitate exercise for truck drivers. This is where Skimble comes into play. This Bay Area-based startup developed the Workout Trainer app, which offers thousands of workout routines and customized training programs. The workouts focus on high-intensity bodyweight exercises, quick strength-building sessions, and revitalizing yoga practices, tailored for drivers with limited time and space.
“Workout Trainer provides a vast selection of multimedia workouts and personalized training plans led by certified professionals,” explained Maria Ly, co-head of Skimble. “Our app boasts a community of over 20 million users and a network of personal trainers utilizing our resources to coach clients from anywhere.”
Leveraging Technology for Driver Wellness
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Skimble is a participant in Samsung’s “Made for Samsung” initiative and provides the Workout Trainer app free of charge in the Galaxy Apps store, featuring exclusive content for Samsung users.
Owners of Samsung devices can access premium material and unlock a three-month free trial to explore the app’s premium features, as noted by Ly.
A Workout Tailored for Everyone
Skimble offers a diverse range of workout programs tailored to various needs. One of the most sought-after options is the Active Trucker program, which consists of Phase I and Phase II, led by Siphiwe Baleka—an ex-trucker and triathlete—who has successfully assisted numerous truck drivers in losing weight and lowering their medication requirements through his fitness initiatives.
The exercises are designed to resonate with the everyday experiences of truck drivers to enhance their overall wellness. “Each exercise featured is demonstrated by a truck driver at a truck stop,” noted Ly.
Similar to other features of the Workout Trainer, the Active Trucker fitness program uses devices such as Samsung smartphones and tablets, syncing workouts with wearables like the Samsung Gear S3 and Fit2. The app also integrates with the Samsung Health app, enabling users to track workouts and calories burned, according to Ly.
The smartwatch application showcases various exercises, the time remaining in each session, and allows users to pause and resume workouts. It instantly monitors heart rates with the Gear smartwatch and provides an overall performance summary with essential metrics. PRO+ Skimble members can compare current results against previous workouts to assess progress over time.
Combining Tablets and Smartwatches
Connecting a smartwatch with a mobile device creates an engaging and seamless experience for users. Drivers can utilize a tablet in their cab for electronic logging, navigation, and communication with dispatchers, which can also serve to track and enhance truck driver wellness during off-duty hours.
“For truck drivers constantly on the move, it feels like they have a trainer by their side, providing step-by-step guidance no matter where they are,” Ly said.
The app features a social aspect that connects truck drivers to their community, allowing them to earn activity points through workouts. Those working with personal trainers can also share their progress. Fleet managers can track and gamify driver wellness to encourage more activity.
“Many of our members are highly motivated to stay active—drivers find our community a valuable source of inspiration and support,” Ly shared. “We aim to simplify the process of integrating fitness into daily life.”
Discover how straightforward it is to start exercising with the Active Trucker fitness program.
