Nearly nine out of 10 UK van drivers are making a concerted effort to improve their health and wellbeing in 2025, a new study reveals.
The findings from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reveal that 86% of respondents have resolved to make healthier choices this year.
They will, the claim, be focusing on better eating habits, increased physical activity and improved mental health.
Help van drivers stay in good shape
Volkswagen’s national fleet manager and mental health first aider, Craig Cavanagh, said: “Prioritising health and fitness can be a real challenge, particularly when you’re on-the-go or working long hours, so it’s great to see so many van drivers making this a priority for the year ahead.
“We’re all aware of the positive impact that a healthy diet can have on our mood and mental wellbeing, and with an alarming number of van drivers concerned about work-life balance and looking to prioritise better mental health, these efforts are even more essential to help van drivers stay in good physical and mental shape.”
Popular lunch choices for van drivers
In 2024, sandwiches, snacks and wraps were the most popular lunch choices for van drivers on the go.
However, 65% of respondents intend to make healthier food choices in the coming year.
Recognising the importance of exercise, 57% of van drivers also plan to incorporate more physical activity into their weekly routines, as more than half admitted to not meeting the recommended weekly exercise guidelines.
Van drivers to prioritise exercise
Increased working hours in 2024 compared to the previous year have made it challenging for drivers to prioritise exercise and mental well-being.
VW says that 63% of drivers report feeling overwhelmed by work each month in 2024 – that’s a big rise from 51% in 2023.
A poor work-life balance was cited as a key source of stress for one-quarter of respondents.
To address these challenges, 38% of van drivers are now prioritising a better work-life balance in 2025 to improve their mental health.
Physical activities for adults
To help UK van drivers, the government recommends the following physical activities for adults aged 19-64. Choose ONE of these options:
- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week
- At least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week
- A combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity.
What do these intensities mean?
- Moderate-intensity activity: Increases your heart rate and breathing, but you can still hold a conversation. Examples include brisk walking, cycling, water aerobics, dancing, doubles tennis, hiking and rollerblading
- Vigorous-intensity activity: Makes you breathe hard and fast, making it difficult to say more than a few words without pausing. Examples include running, swimming, cycling fast or uphill, stair climbing, sports like football, rugby, netball, and hockey, skipping, aerobics, gymnastics and martial arts.
In addition to the above, aim for strengthening activities at least two days a week.
These activities should work all the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
Examples include lifting weights, using resistance bands, bodyweight exercises (like push-ups and sit-ups), yoga, Pilates and heavy gardening.
Reducing extended periods of sitting is also important, the government says, so try to break up long periods of inactivity with some movement throughout the day.