eleven major carriers participated in the truckload carriers associations truckings weight loss showdown this past spring with each carrier signing up 12 employees half of them drivers any driver who doesnt pass the exam immediately loses driving privileges truckers are the ones who carry the country he said hopefully the situation is about to change the program has made such a difference for me he said his companys initiatives are essential for improving the lives of truckers the first one is a 1000 square foot facility located at the flying j on interstate 20 in dallas one of the busiest truck routes in the country like the rest of americas 35 million truckers staying healthy on the road is a challenge for drury bob perry founder of rolling strong was a trucker himself they deserve access to fitness centers and good food and health care like the rest of us nearly twice the national obesity rate and they have a 50 percent higher prevalence of diabetes compared to the general population according to national institute of health statistics later this year they will be introducing an exercise kit for incab workouts and a line of sandwiches made with natural ingredients that will be sold alongside the usual fried and battered truck stop fare his father was a trucker for 50 years he says in the past he had few options for losing weight and improving his health but this time around his company enrolled him in an intensive rolling strong program there are few opportunities to eat anywhere other than truck stops and they arent exactly famous for offering calorieconscious meals oct 17 2012151 john drury is a rare breed but theyre also intended to keep drivers on the road instead of just going to bed when i hit a stop i now go for long walks and ive learned how to eat better too he said as a result truckers are in bad shape theyre checked for issues like heart conditions diabetes and respiratory disorders that could incapacitate them while driving arlingtonbased snap fitness in conjunction with the wellness company rolling strong is opening gyms at truck stops nationwide since opening about five months ago 120 truckers have signed up drivers are required by the us department of transportations federal motor carrier safety administration to take a physical exam every two years in the last seven months ive gained back 40 pounds drury says of his constant battle with weight their membership also entitles them to access at any of the 1400 regular snap fitness facilities 60 of which have tractortrailer friendly parking lots for about 20 a month drivers now have access to free weights and cardio machines bob perry hopes this is just the start of a trend towards a nation of healthier drivers besides their snap partnership rolling strong offers truckside health evaluations that include a blood pressure check body fat measurement and weigh in they provide printed workout manuals plus a special internet