Adjusting to Cubicle Life

MsQuinzel

Hi, guys! My name is Lauren. I graduated from college in the winter of 2011, and have been working as a designer for an ad agency for two years now.

Before I started my job, I consistently weighed about 125-130 pounds. Back then I was a bit more active. I did lacrosse and field hockey in high school and did tae-kwon-do at the end of college. And even when I wasn't working out, just walking across campus to my classes and back to my apartment (which was on top of a huge hill) was a workout.

Now, due to my sedentary cubicle job, I'm now about 150. Not so bad, but I'm afraid if I don't make a change to my not-so-healthy habits, I'll just keep gaining weight, and it'll just be that much harder for me to make a change down the road. Especially since I have such a sweet tooth!

I joined this site to try to keep better tabs of what I'm eating, and I'm also planning on working out for 30 minutes 5 times a week. Hoping to get back to the weight I was at before my job, and then maybe gain some muscles.

Good luck to everyone on their own journeys to healthy lifestyles!

Sozzy23

I also work in a cubicle, very sedentary job and lucky if on a usual day I get 5000 steps in if I do not exercise. Best of luck with your tracking and your journey!

manda1978

HI there. I work at a desk full time too. the benefits of an office job is access to fridges and microwaves so eating healthy is esy if you're organised. I have a young child and manage to work 50hrs a week and gym 5 times a week for 1 - 1.5hrs each session. If I can do it, you can!

MsQuinzel

Sozzy - I know, right? The agency I work at is pretty small; I only have to walk maybe 20 feet to the furthest office away from mine. And before this month started, I would just go back and sit my butt in front of the tv or computer. So clearly I haven't been doing enough! I was pretty out of breath when I started going to the gym this month, haha. But it's getting easier. Thank you, best of luck to you, too!

NorCal311

I have been working at a desk fro the last 20 something years. One thing that I do about every hour or so is do a set of desk pushups, lunges, desk tricep dips, go for a walk around the building, do something. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for the body.

Wishing you the best,
-Brian

MsQuinzel

Manda - I definitely think organization is key. I started eating Stouffer's entrees a lot since I started my job because we had the microwave. Thought it'd be nice to have hot meals. But it wasn't until today when I checked to see how many calories were in the Fettuccini Alfredo (the one I eat most often). 630 calories! Had no idea. And to think I had an Amy's entree today that was just 250. Needless to say, I'm definitely gonna make sure I check out the calories from now on, and buy the lighter stuff.

MsQuinzel

Brian - That's a good idea. I'll have to look into these desk workouts. Might even help getting the creative juices flowing with the blood pumping and whatnot.

NorCal311

Brian - That's a good idea. I'll have to look into these desk workouts. Might even help getting the creative juices flowing with the blood pumping and whatnot.

It is easy, quick and you do not have to break a sweat. Just need to move and work different body parts that are static at the desk. Does not take a long time (30 seconds every hour) and will do a body good. Find what works for you and nail it!

-Brian