help for swing-shifter

jarrettd

My job is physically demanding...HALF the time. I spend 2 rotations (total of 3 weeks) on the production floor - 12hr shifts, 100+ degree heat, and several hours of brutal physical labor during the shift. Then I switch, and for the next 3 weeks, I'm stuck in an air conditioned control room 12 hrs a day, watching computers and video monitors. (No chance of a break for walking or anything...I even eat at my workstation. Mgmt won't allow a treadmill, either.)

I'm trying to put together an exercise regimen to help attain my fitness goals, but the feast or famine on my activity levels make it a challenge. I'd love to work out every day, but how? Long days don't leave much time. And when I'm on the floor, I'm not sure I'd have the energy for a workout, too. And did I mention the rotations are swing-shifts, 6 day shifts, then 5 night shifts?

Should I modify my diet on the inactive days, in comparison to the days I'm working really hard? How about when I switch to nights? Do I try to get my calories during daylight hours (when I really need to sleep) or do I shift my eating schedule with my work schedule.

I see now why they say shift work takes years off your life! Any help from someone with experience with this would be appreciated.