Pro Installer February 2019 - Issue 71 | Page 33

FEBRUARY 2019 | 33 Motoring Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk NEW YEAR FITNESS RESOLUTIONS JUST GOT A LOAD EASIER FOR THE UK’S VAN DRIVERS • Getting into shape is the UK’s most common New Year’s resolution but finding time to hit the gym can be tough • Van drivers spend 2.89 hours† sat behind the wheel which can slow the metabolism • Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has created a mobile workout for van drivers; view it here: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=QRypLoCFurE • Unique training routine uses Volkswagen Transporter and common tools to keep fit The annual rush to the gym has begun, as Brits look to recover from their festive overindulgence; but for van drivers, who spend long hours sat behind the wheel, finding time to keep fit can be a struggle. While the average van driver aims to work out twice a week and one in 10 admits to a healthy diet*, life on the road has chal- lenges. Not only can it lead to less than ideal nutrition and grabbing snacks on the go, but hours of sitting can slow the metabolism – which affects the ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and me- tabolise fat – and may over time, contribute to weaker muscles and bones**. To help van drivers and tradesmen and women find time in their schedule to kick-start their 2019 in healthy fashion, Volkswa- gen Commercial Vehicles is living up to its Working With You promise and has created a unique Working Out With You exercise re- gime that can be completed anywhere, anytime, with its Mobile Gym Transport- er. View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=QRypLoCFurE Health experts advise doing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or brisk walking every week and strength exercises on two or more days a week that work all the major muscles. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has teamed up with fleet customer Pimlico Plumbers and its in-house personal trainer, James Dean, to devise the pro- gramme which is designed to tackle different muscle groups for a well-rounded workout***. And there’s no need for expensive gym member- ships and pricey equipment, the training regime makes use of the Transporter’s body panels and load bay with the Bumper Dips and Panel Push-Ups plus every- day tools and gear stored in the racking with moves like the Pipe Clean & Press and Toolbox Squat & Raise. Cable Skip Ensure cable is long enough to loop over your head with some slack. Use this as a cardio warm-up with 30 sec- onds skipping followed by 30 seconds rest and repeat 10 times. Toolbox Squat & Raise (10-20 reps) Hold the toolbox out in front of you and squat from the knees ensuring you keep your arms out in front of you, back straight and feet flat. Stand back up and raise the toolbox above your head before repeating. Pipe Clean & Press (10-20 reps) Start with the pipe on the floor and bend down keeping your back straight. Lift the pipe to chest height and get comfortable with the weight before pressing it overhead with straight arms. ‘ Bumper Dips (10-20 reps) With the rear doors open place your hands on the bumper and stretch your legs out in front of you. Low- er yourself down until your elbows reach 90 degrees or you touch the floor. Panel Push-Ups (10-20 reps) Place your hands on the bumper facing the van in a regular press-up position with your legs straight out behind you. Lower yourself towards the bumper before lifting yourself back up. can be completed anywhere, anytime Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Our brand promise Work- ing With You is devised to keep customers and their businesses moving forward, and that goes beyond just the health of the vehicle. We want to encourage van driv- ers to get fit this New Year with our on-the-go workout that can be done anywhere drivers may find themselves with a spare five minutes. It’s all part of putting our customers first, and this unique programme could see Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Working Out With You in 2019!” Seated Wrench Curls (10-20 reps) For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www. volkswagen-vans.co.uk ’ Open the side door and sit on the edge. Take a wrench and lift from your waist to your shoulder keeping your body still. Repeat for a wrench in each hand. † Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles survey, January 2018. * Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles survey, January 2017. **NHS Advice. ***Exercise is not without its risks, and this or any other exercise programme may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury, before beginning this or any exercise programme, please consult a healthcare provider for appropriate exercise prescription and safety precautions. As with any exercise programme, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy, or have physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a physician.