Work vs. Working Out

Eve53

So, I've been meaning to write this for a while it's always on my mind, even more so recently. Is it ok to consider your job your workout? I mean if you do really physical labor. I work at a warehouse where I am a material handler, that means that my job is packing, hauling, and shipping frieght. My average day has me walking for pretty much the whole 8 hours that I'm on the job, and 50%+ of that time I'm pulling something on a pallet jack across the warehouse. Usually something fairly heavy. I started this job about 2 months ago, and I've lost a lot of weight since I started here, but I'm sure that will slow down eventually as my body gets more and more used to the work. But will it stop all together?

The reason I'm so concerned is, cause after working here for 8 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, it's really hard to go home and work out. I'm sore! Sometimes it's hard just to get up and do the dishes, or cook dinner. But I do it. I thought about working out on the weekends, but lately I've been working every Saturday and I really need the one day off to get other things done and rest my muscles.

Also, I wanted to note that on my settings I set my work level at, I think moderate. Because I really didn't want MFP to add extra calories just because I work hard. Should I change this though?

Please let me know what you all think!

BeccaAnderton

I'd count it, when I used to clean hotel rooms I used count it, and I lost a lot of weight in a short space of time doing that as well, and that's no where near as physical as what you're doing. It's up to you at the end of the day, but I'd definitely say it counts

eponine1976

While your daily activities at work will help keep you strong and will probably keep you from gaining weight (and possibly lose it), you should probably still try to get at least 30 min cardio a day since you probably aren't walking fast enough to get aerobic benefit at your job.

penny5

Hi! I think that you are doing plenty of working out right now. I think that once you get to the point of getting used to your job physically then you could think about adding other exercises. If you expect too much out of yourself I think you will get burnt out and give up on MFP altogether. That is awesome that you have such a physical job Great job and keep doing what you are doing!!! Not many people get paid to workout

killerqueen17

I counted it when I was a server-- on my feet and rushing around for hours on end with no break counts as "walking" in my book!!

Just make sure you're not already compensating for it otherwise... like if you set your activity level to "very active," then you probably shouldn't log it separately.

I always set my activity level low so I can add in whatever I do in a day.

kathleennf

I agree with the above posts- I think right now it's a great workout for you!! You can either add it in separately or raise your activity level.

marianne_s

I would set your activity level to active or very active, as your job sounds quite physical.

You can still lose weight eating the calorie allowance that MFP has set.

That is the beauty of MFP.... the number of calories less you need to eat, so that you lose weight has already been deducted from your daily allowance.

lvmosbey

I would definitely count it as working out...I would try maybe on the weekends to do some kind of working out..but if you are doing heavy lifting and etc. I would definitely say that is working out!!

Keep up the good work!

MzBug

If you have your activity level set at anything other than sedentary don't add it in as exercise in your log! If you have your activity level set at sedentary you can add it in your exercise log. One way or the other, but not both. I have mine set at sedentary because I never know what kind of activity the day will bring, and I don't want to over eat when I don't have an active day. Since you just started this job not too long ago my suggestion would be to set your activity level at medium or high and watch what you consume on the days you are not that active. Once you get used to the job (no longer sore or not totally wiped out at the end of the day) I would lower the activity level to low (but not sedentary) and add in what ever exercise you do on purpose. I would give it a good 6 months to get used to the job as long as you are losing consistantly.

Great job on the loss!

Eve53

Thanks everyone! I changed my activity level to Active. I put it at Very Active, but that made my calories go way up, so I put it back to Active. I think that should be good for me. I like your advice MzBug, when it's not as hard I will change it back. Thank you everyone for your input!