Going back to work full-time & need help finding time to wor

KTalada

Hi All! As some of you know, after almost 5 months being unemployed & FINALLY getting myself on track with my eating & exercising (thanks to MFP & all the GREAT support here!), I am returning to work full-time tomorrow morning. I know I can take healthy snacks & lunches to work, but finding the time during weekdays to workout is my HUGE challenge.

Here's my dilemma: I can't get up early & workout before work (I know that would be best) as I have an extruded L4-L5 lumbar disc that requires extra strength Tylenol & a hot shower before I can move every day. Sometimes (like last night) it keeps me awake & in pain half the night too. I will only get 1/2 hour lunch each day & my new office is not in a neighborhood where I feel very safe walking if you know what I mean. By the time I get home at night (around 5:30-ish) I'll be starving & need to feed my kid too! The only time I can come up with is at around 8:30 at night when my son is finally in bed. I know that exercising that late can interrrupt sleep & all, but I just don't see any other time in my day where I can cram it in!

I'm doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (day 7 today) & want so badly to finish this thing & stay on top of my goals with my weight loss. Any ideas or advice would be MUCH appreciated!

HUGS!!!

bjohs

Park in the furthest parking spot from the door so you are walking the largest distance. Take the stairs (if you have them) instead of taking the elevator. In your office chair, hold your stomach in and tighten your abs muscles.

Angel1066

I exercise in the evening and have found that it helps me to sleep. Good luck in your new job

hotpickles

Hi! I recently had the same experience, and to be brutally honest, did NOT stick with my workout/healthy eating plan. That's all changing today though

I think it's a matter of telling myself to just get my butt in gear. I have to stick with this at all costs. I am pretty sure that my workouts will be around the same time as yours (8:30 pm and on) but I think I'll be alright. If you are worried about not being able to fall asleep after your workout, maybe plan to do something when you are done, such as read, take a nice long hot bath, or prepare your lunch for the next day.

We can do it!

kaylou

My son is now out of high school but while he was growing up I used to semi prep my dinner food the night before.
When I walk through the door at 5:15-5:30 I would pre heat the oven as I head to the bedroom to change into workout clothes. As I did my 30 minute workout my son was to set the table and make a salad (13-17 years of age totally capable)
Once I was done I would put the items together and put in the oven. Jump in the shower and by the time I got out I could finish dinner. Sometimes the grill is an easy option also.

Teeladog

Don't worry too much about what is ideal...you have to work within the realities of your life. If 8:30 at night is when you can work out then that is when you do it. Your body will adjust and even if it does affect your sleep at first over time that won't be an issue any more. I prefer to work out in the morning but I actually know a lot of people that prefer the evening...sort of working off the stress of the day.

Just stick with it...

kaylou

My son is now out of high school but while he was growing up I used to semi prep my dinner food the night before.
When I walk through the door at 5:15-5:30 I would pre heat the oven as I head to the bedroom to change into workout clothes. As I did my 30 minute workout my son was to set the table and make a salad (13-17 years of age totally capable)
Once I was done I would put the items together and put in the oven. Jump in the shower and by the time I got out I could finish dinner. Sometimes the grill is an easy option also.

oh, and my son would typically have a poptart, or granola bar when he got home at 3:30 to hold him over....although I am sure it was sometimes a cookie or candy bar!

bjohs

I exercise in the evening and have found that it helps me to sleep. Good luck in your new job

I agree! I love late night workouts and find that it helps me burn calories better while I sleep. I have really been slacking on exercise lately and I've noticed I'm not sleeping as well.

If late night workouts don't work out with your schedule, try fitting in some activities with the kids. We play soccer, jump on the trampoline, play tag at the park, walk the dog, etc. Exercise doesn't have to be a workout session... just keep moving! Good luck!

katie_on_a_mission

Perhaps plan to do four work-outs over the weekend: one in the morning and one in the evening, both Saturday and Sunday. Good luck with everything!

Amybethjohnson

If you are doing the Jillian DVD, I'd say you are okay working out later. It's intense, but short. Make sure to do a nice cool down and drink plenty of water afterwards. Every one is different, so I'd give it a try for a few days and see how you sleep.
On the weekends, I'd try one of Jillians longer 40 minute workout CDs . They are great too, and if you can't do the full 40 minutes, you can pick and choose certain circuits off the DVD menu .