Is work a workout?

jess1992uga

So I just got a job at Jimmy John's and spend the entire shift on feet. So many people were concerned about this because I am trying to maintain my weight and they said this job would make me lose weight because so "active." I laughed it off. Well...looks like I was right, because since starting the job I have only gained weight. Not only that, but my stomach has started to poof out and legs/butts get bigger. This just doesn't make sense...unless...can being on your feet cause water retention?

LoraF83

A new strain on your feet/legs can cause fluid retention, sure. Work isn't a workout though, it's part of your lifestyle. So, depending on how much you're moving around, you should adjust your activity level settings to compensate for that.

Unknown

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cwolfman13

It is not a workout but additional activity raises your total calorie requirements. If you are truly gaining and it's not just a fluctuation kind of thing or hormones or other fluid retention related issues then you are eating beyond a maintenance level of calories.

Once upon a time I did landscape construction for work...on top of that, my bike was my sole source of wheeled transportation and I also lifted weights at the gym...I needed around 3600 - 3800 calories per day to maintain my weight and I did often lose without even trying because I simply couldn't eat that much consistently.

Conversely, I now work a desk job but I still workout quite a bit and cycle around 80 - 100 miles per week and lift weights...I need roughly 2800 calories per day to maintain...about 1,000 calories less than I did with an active job when I was 10 years younger.