Exercising & Work

sdlr4592

Alright, this is one of those opinion posts. I just got a customer service job where I'm standing on concrete about 6-7 hours a day. That doesn't sound like much, and it may not be to some people, but to me, it is to me. Mostly because I'm "morbidly obese" and out of shape. Obviously, I'm aware of my weight, and that's why I joined this site. And before I got this new job a few weeks ago, I was trying to exercise at least 3 times a week. Now, I get off work and I'm so tired. My feet are unbearably achy (even though I have good shoes AND insoles). My shoulder muscles and lower back are sore. And I have no motivation to move after I get home. I literally just want to crash. And I know other people have worse jobs than I do, where they stand for 10-12 hours straight. I'm not posting this to complain or get pitied. I'm really just wondering if there's any kind of motivational advice or anyone who's kind of been through the same thing who can help me get worked up enough to work out after working all day. Thanks in advance!

SSAHM

You will be surprised how many calories you will burn just standing around and light walking you do (if you have to walk that is). It will be a fair bit especially if your body is not used to it and maybe used to laying around a bit more. If you keep your calories in check you should still lose weight. Hope it helps!!

Just to get an idea put in a light activity in the exercise log like standing or something similar and the amout of hours you will do and see what it says i think you will be surprised!!

sagetracey

It will get easier as you get used to it. And then you will have more energy to resume your exercise.

congratulations contour job.

lisa28115

girlfriend ...you are not logging your food:bigsmile:

you may not be eating enough just to sustain the stress on your body from standing all day

i know how it feels ....i used to be a checker at the grocery store
luckily it ws only part-time, on the days i had to work 8-9 hours it was killer:sick:

dawnblu

Have you tried working out before work? Your feet won't be as tired and it might energize you more for your day. I used to work out before work and I felt better all day. Then after work you can relax and recharge. Even 30 minutes on a treadmill or a walk will help and you'll have more energy during the day. Good luck! I know new jobs can be stressful.

monkeypantz

I have a friend on here who works in a pub a couple of hours a week, and she counts that as exercise - but she divides the number of hours by half.

So if she works 6 hours - she puts it down as 3 hours walking at 3.mph - as your still burning calories!!!

psiren28

I hear ya! I absolutely hate standing for a long period of time, it makes my legs and feet ache so much.

Not much advice here but I will say as you get used to it it won't be as bad. Any change in normal activity is hard going at first because you're not used to it. You're using your muscles differently even if they're not moving much.

As for exercise, maybe swimming will be good for you, It'll ease your muscles a bit after long periods standing. And your achy feet will love the water

Good luck

coconutbuNZ

I do feel for you. I'm exhausted after work as well but I don't have to stand on concrete for hours on end like you do! I do try to fit in my workouts before or during working hours, because I know after work, all I want to do is cook dinner, eat, rest. Soak those feet. Get someone to massage your legs. Just until your body adjusts and hopefully, in time, you won't feel the pain anymore.

MrsTattie

How about swimming? This will help support the legs and so you wouldn't be using the same muscles as when you are standing.
Try also to take a few mins every hour to stretch out your legs when you are working. Eg take your shoes off and go up on tip-toe with arms stretched over your head for a few seconds. Then put one foot up to your bum, and hold the foot there. This is probably best done in private away from the customers! It is literally 2 mins.
Also get support tights. I didn't think they worked and were a gimmick, but they do and are worth the money (tip - hand wash them, they will last longer!)
Good luck!

BeautyFromPain

book it in before work!

when i started i too was morbidly obese and working in fast food 9 hours a day 5 days per week, now i am not as heavy and only working 3 days a week due to school but hey, if i can do it anyone can! you just gotta believe in yourself girl!

jessicasloan91

Probably not the healthiest thing but drink a can of red bull about 30 mins- 1 hour before you finish, wil give you a little boost just to get you started, you will find after a few weeks that the more you exercise the more energy you will have so you will stop needing the energy drink

iceqieen

exercise is a good idea for you - not the insane cardio stuff, but something to make your shoulders, legs and back stronger. I've had that feeling of dead in the legs, back and shoulders after a long day at work (not my current one ofc, but "once upon a time" :P) and it really helps to strengthen those muscles. Swimming was my solution then, but you can also look into yoga, pilates, weight lifting or anything that helps your entire body.

sdlr4592

Thanks everyone! I forgot about swimming but I absolutely love it! Now I'll just have to find a pool or a lake nearby and I'll be set! And I think I'll divide the number of hours I work in half and count that as exercise too. Thanks again, everyone! Gives me a little boost to keep going, even if I only get a little exercise in.