TravelCenters of America, Pilot Flying J Help Keep Drivers Fit

WESTLAKE, Ohio and CHANHASSEN, Minn. -- Professional drivers who want to stay in shape while logging long hours on the road now have more options for an on-the-go workout. TravelCenters of America (TA) has expanded its StayFit Program to a total of 21 fitness rooms, while Pilot Flying J Travel Centers is partnering with Snap Fitness and Rolling Strong to offer workout centers at multiple locations across the United States.

TA launched StayFit, a wellness initiative intended to offer professional drivers "better-for-you" options on the road, this January. At first, the program consisted of fitness rooms located at 10 TA and Petro locations on Interstates 95 and 40. The expanded program now offers a total of 21 fitness rooms, with 11 new sites added at stops along Interstates 80 and 5, the company reported.

"Drivers tell us they want healthier options while they are on the road," said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TA. "Fitness rooms, walking trails and healthier food options in our stores and restaurants are just a part of the way we are showing drivers respect by giving them what they ask for, as well as providing them with full-service benefits all in one place."

Drivers who are members of the UltraONE Rewards Program may use any StayFit location for free by swiping their card at the door. Fitness amenities include an elliptical cross-trainer; recumbent bike; dual adjustable pulley resistance equipment or an adjustable sit-up board; weight scale; folding gym mat; shelving unit for storage of gym bags while working out; and wall-mounted televisions and fans, according to the company.

Additionally, the TA/Petro network offers 120 walking trails, with maps available at the participating sites.

To help drivers make health diet choices, StayFit shelf signs at the travel stores identify healthy food options, and "better-for-you" restaurant choices are noted on the menu, the company said.

StayFit Fitness Centers are located at the following TA and Petro locations:

• On I-5: TA Portland, Ore.; TA Redding, Calif.; Petro Santa Nella, Calif.; and Petro Wheeler Ridge, Calif.;
• On I-95: Petro Bordentown, N.J.; TA Baltimore South, Md.; TA Manning, S.C.; and TA Vero Beach, Fla.;
• On I-80: Petro Sparks, Nev.; TA Salt Lake City, Utah; TA Cheyenne, Wyo.; TA Grand Island, Neb.; TA Lake Station, Ind.; Petro Girard, Ohio; and TA Bloomsburg, Pa.;
• On I-40: TA Barstow, Calif.; TA Albuquerque, N.M.; TA Greensboro, N.C.; TA Nashville, Tenn.; TA Oklahoma City West, Okla.; and TA West Memphis, Ark.

In related news, Snap Fitness, a franchisor of 24/7 express fitness centers, is partnering with Rolling Strong, a health and wellness provider for professional drivers, to launch numerous easy-in, easy-out workout centers at Pilot Flying J Travel Centers across the country.

"The new gyms are designed to accommodate the trucking community and those who travel frequently for business or vacation, so they can get the workouts they need quickly and conveniently," said Peter Taunton, CEO and founder of Snap Fitness.

Each Snap Fitness Rolling Strong gym will consist of a 960-square-foot workout center staffed by fitness professionals and stocked with a variety of top-of-the-line fitness equipment, according to the announcement. The monthly gym dues of $29.95 for the trucking community will provide access to the Snap Fitness Rolling Strong gyms and any of approximately 1,300 Snap Fitness clubs worldwide. The Rolling Strong gyms will be available for current Snap Fitness members to use at no extra charge.

"Pilot Flying J understands the challenge professional drivers face in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on the road," said Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam. "That's why we are pleased to partner with Snap Fitness and Rolling Strong and provide convenient locations to drivers to help them improve their health and fitness."

The companies expect the first Snap Fitness Rolling Strong to open at a Pilot Flying J this fall, with nine more planned to be open and operating by the first quarter of 2012. More details will be available at www.snapfitness.com/rolling-strong.