With the return of longer days and warmer weather, it’s usually not long before thoughts turn to barbecues, beer and lazy days in the summer sun doing pretty much nothing. While doing nothing once in a while can be a damn good way to recharge, doing too much “nothing” too often leads to “something” not so good: that spare tire around the belly far too many of us are sporting these days.

Nearly 40% of the people on this continent do no spare time physical activity at all. That figure is probably higher within the trucking industry, which requires long periods of sitting.

Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in North America and being physically inactive boosts your chances of developing heart-related problems. Yet just 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity can improve your health and decrease your risk of heart disease.

May I suggest a different way to enjoy this spring and summer? Join me and hundreds from our industry as we take the 2016 Healthy Fleet Challenge to a fitter body and a healthier lifestyle. Truck News has worked with NAL Insurance for several years now to promote the Healthy Fleet Challenge and we are very excited to do so again – and field our own Newcom Trucking Group team – because we’ve seen this program deliver results.

Most participants in the Healthy Fleet Challenge choose to walk their way to fitness and walking is an easy way to work physical activity into your regular routine. It’s something everyone can participate in and is that first critically important step towards a healthier lifestyle.

And this year’s challenge, which like last year will feature three separate month-long competitions starting in May, promises to be the most fun and exciting one yet.

Are you a bit old school and perhaps put off that in the past you needed to have one of the approved activity trackers (Fitbit, Withings or Garmin) to participate in the Healthy Fleet Challenge? No worries, we’ve got you covered. You can now use a paper calendar to manually track your activity by circling the number of minutes you were active for each day.

This also opens up the challenge to people who participate in activities that don’t generate a lot of steps, such as biking, swimming, and weight lifting. There will be a copy of the calendar in this issue of Truck News (see page 7), so make sure to pick up your copy and fill it out! You can also e-mail info@healthyfleet.com and ask for the tracking calendar.

Another new aspect this year is prizes! In the past, participants have competed for bragging rights, but now anyone who shows consistent effort throughout the competition will be eligible to win prizes!

That’s right, you don’t have to be the top stepper, because everyone who does their best to move their bodies more is a winner. Here’s what’s up for grabs: Two Healthy Trucker Prize Packs, including a portable blender, a kettlebell, gym bag, T-shirt and more; Two Fitbit Alta step tracking devices; and the grand prize, a 47-inch flatscreen TV!

Looking to sign your company up? It’s free, and you’ll be joining over 700 participants in a fun and friendly competition!

Just e-mail info@healthyfleet.com with your company’s high resolution logo to be set up and given further instructions. See you on the leaderboard!