Too tired to exercise?

Kalraii

I know this probably has been asked a million times. My working hours are nuts. For example I was up at 4am and got home 8.15pm. A long long day. My job involves either hours of driving or hours of standing in one spot. Both require intense concentration (I present to several large groups on a daily basis and have to overcome any tiredness or negative emotions which is almost tiring in itself)

My job isn't routine and times can vary to even having days off. Any tips on how I should get my a*se in gear when I feel like a dead donkey? thanks xx

Carfoodel

no matter how tired I am - I know that an exercise session makes me feel better. It clears my head, it makes me feel more focused and in control and I always feel more energised. You say that your time fluctuates for exercising - it doesn't alwayshave to be a huge session all the time - try doing some of the 10 min exercise sessions on youtube , blast the energy levels a bit and then on the days off make a more concentrated effort.

do you know what your schedule is like in advance? - give it a look and dairy exercise in like you would a meeting just make it par to fyour routine - if you were knackered and it was time to go to work you wouldn't not go in -just think of exercise as the same.

Xtinajacob

What about that 10 minute workout that is advertised on tv...something about only 10 mintues a day and you are guarenteed to get results.

shan10

I try to walk on one of my breaks at least once a day, maybe you can take the time out of your busy schedule to do that. I also take the stairs instead of elevator.

firstnamekaren

Maybe just learn some simple yoga moves you can do in almost any location? Something to just reenergize, refocus and provide a good stretch and light burn.

secretlobster

If you did an hour of exercise on both Saturday and Sunday, you will still have time to do fun things/errands/relax/whatever else you do on weekends. Some people really cannot fit an exercise schedule into their work schedule... Also there does come a point for a lot of people when they have to ask themselves, "can I deal with a job that has robbed me of a personal life?" and for many, the answer is "no"... Something to think about. Until then, work with what you CAN do. If you don't have a lot of exercise time, you can still improve your eating habits.

hongruss

The only thing that works for me is a pre workout supplement, when it kicks in I have to workout!

Russ

lizard053

All I can say is just do it. Most days I'm ready to throw in the towel and quit at the end of my work day. But I've scheduled in workouts MWF after work. I go and do what I can. If I'm truly too tired, I'll do a 10 minute walk on a dreadmill and go home. Most days I'm able to do a lot more. And it does get easier the more I do it.

Being a graduate student, my hours tend to be very variable. Some weeks I work tons, others not so much. But I keep my gym appointments because they are just as important to my well being as work is!

RealWomenLovePitbulls

make yourself work out for 10 minutes, if after the 10 minutes are up, u still just feel way too tired, then don't do it. usually after 10 minutes u will start to feel okay and be able to complete ur work-out

sjmgde

I am tired to excerise de to meds that i am on. I usually have to oush myself to do it and it literally takes everythng i have to do it. Maybe push yourself to the brink to go work out

jessmoore_84

I just found something that gives me a boost of energy after a long day of work, so I can get through my worklout..
Gatorade Prime Energy Chews, I just tried them the other day for the first time because I felt super sluggish, and they really worked! You just eat 1 pack (6 chews) about 15 minutes prior to a workout or you can just eat them for an extra boost during your day. They really worked for me, so maybe they will work for you too! Good luck!!

davert123

Drink loads of water - seriously. Drink as much as you can. Then chose a loo that involves a few minutes walking to.. if you go 5 times a day and the loo is 4 minutes walk then you are going to get 35 minutes of walking for nothing at all. Park your car at the back of the car park and walk in. go for a 10 minute walk at lunch etc. All the little bits will add up to an amount that actually counts :-)

Deedsie

Planning is key for me. I live by that quote, "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." One of the above posters mentioned scheduling it. That is what I do. I block the time as a meeting and then if I have to work over that block, I move it another hole in my day. If I cannot get it in that day, looks like I will be staying up late or getting up early the next day. It sounds like you are pretty committed to your job, so it should be easier to put some emphasis on getting in your workouts.

One other thing, is you might have the doctor check your vitamin levels. My husband was always tired and it turned out he had a major vitamin B deficiency. A daily supplement fixed it.

delilah47

Just do it. Exercise always invigorates me. Not working now, but when I was, I was like you. Very long hours, except I never got extra days off, usually worked extra days. I could be dead on the couch and when I got up and changed to my workout clothes it was hard getting started, but it *always* made me feel better. That's what always gave me the motivation to get off my *kitten* and get started. The only thing; sometimes if you exercise too close to bedtime it keeps you awake, because of the invigorating effect. Good luck!

l3rob

Agree with many other posters here. My job used to be like that as well which makes it a thousand times harder to work out. I had to force myself to do it and some days I would wimp out. Schedule at least 10 minutes - mentally that will seem like an easy enough goal. Its true that once you get going, you will feel better and will more than likely keep going.

Goal_Line

Honestly, this is where habit kicks in. Right now your body is resisting the exercise because it is new to you. You need to pick a specific time of the day that works best for you and then exercise everyday. Eventually you body will get used to it and you will build a habit around it. Buy habit formation doesn't happen overnight, you are going to need to work at it.

donnab83

Me too! I also have stupid work hours. I just exercise on my off days & try to do little things during the day. It is hard to do.
If anyone has the magic cure, send it my way too please!

kelseyhere

I would recommend trying for a morning workout, with that kind of schedule it will always be easy to make excuses and skip it at the end of the day. If you wake up a bit earlier 2-3 days a week, you will realize you actually get to work feeling more energized and focused than if you had just slept in! It sounds like nonsense, but you should give it a try. Getting your blood flowing early will help prepare for your long days of teaching. After a few weeks it will start to become routine.

igora_soma

Drink loads of water and try a workout video like 30 Day Shred that is only about 25 minutes. It's fast paced so you won't have time to think about how tired you are and it's effective.

Best of luck!

MrsPong

as my husband would say (hes an active duty Marine)..." If you have time to sleep, you have time to workout"

CalJur

Understand but you have to make time. Some how. Some way. Even twice a week to begin. Make it happen. Excuses = pounds. If you don't mind pounds then keep making excuses. Don't mean to sound cold or anything but its a simple fact that exercise will greatly aid your weight loss and lead to a fitter lifestyle.

Prudiddy

I feel what you are saying. First I would like to say that I have a hectic schedule as well and it is very tough squeezing in time for working out after a long day on the job, then come home to kids and spouse! I was disgusted with myself and was tired of being tired so I decided to see the urgency in my heath and made the time! I felt I was important enough to me to do it for myself, Holy mackerel, I just said me - myself and I backwards! LOL No anyways I went in head first back in April and I have not come up for air yet. I don't take a day to slack, even though it would be nice to do that. You see, when your health becomes your first priority, nothing and no one will get in the way. I'm not saying everyone will get to that point at the same time, however, in order to make the change, we have to get it mentally first. That is were you are first motivated, In your mind. Your friends here can cheer you on but cannot motivate you to get up and make the time! This is up to you. I don't want to sound hard core, but this is that, and that is it! Pull it from down on the inside, MAKE THE TIME, when I'm at home watching Judge Judy for an hour, I am up on my feet doing power lunges, stair steps, hand weights and more.. You will see the time fly by and it will be worth it in the long run. I am here if you need me. Please be encouraged and learn to motivate yourself! YOU WILL DO THIS AND IT WON'T TAKE LONG, WITH CONSISTENCY AND PERSEVERANCE! I'm rooting for you!

BSchoberg

Considering your long hours... if there is any way at all to get something in at the start of your day, you will be way better off. Any exercise you "squeeze" in at the end of that kind of day will short circuit the sleep you need so badly to reset.

An early workout will help rev you up - and if you have any breaks in your day, trying getting something short in: run steps, park at the farthest point from the door, don't take elevators.

Fatbuster205

Until I started this I was always too tired, too busy etc. And I never had enough time to go out and exercise! But when I made the decision to do this I started with just 10-15 mins exercise a day and built it up gradually. Now it is part of my routine, and I love it. Just aim small bite size amounts and believe me before you know it you will be exercising regularly no matter what your hours. It will become so important to you that you will find the time! Good luck!

cathiaflock

Try Vitamin Sublingual B-12 (check to make sure to check drug interactions if your on any meds); my coworker gave me the 2500 mcg and I was up almost all day and night with energy; plus it helps your metablism. Then you'll have energy to exercise. I agree drink loads of water and start out slow until you gain momentum to exercise. I reduced my Vitamin sublingual B-12 to 1000 and still feel awak throughout the day. Take it a day at a time; best of luck!

nlwilliamson

I have to be at work by 8am and finish at 6pm (not as hectic as your hours of course) But I am up at 4:45am and in the gym by 5am, I find early morning workouts fuel my motivation throughout the day and I feel great all day! Maybe something like the 30 day shred DVD by Jillian Micheals, its about 20mins but it will kick your butt
ETA: Spelling.

ms_cataclysm

If you're tired, then you're not sleeping properly . If you're not sleeping properly, then you will find it harder to lose weight.and exercise. And lack of exercise and daylight can make it harder to sleep properly.

When you catch up with your mobile phone messages between presentations, could you take a brisk walk outside the building while you listen to them ? I know it's not much but you sound as if you're really short on time.

I've linked to some sleep tips.

http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_tips.htm

Hellbent_Heidi

You just have to do it....it sounds cliche, but it will get easier and you'll have more energy when you get more into a habit of getting more exercise.

In the meantime, coffee, 5-hour energy drinks....whatever it takes to get you there. You'll be glad you did after a workout when you feel awesome and energized!

mamaomefo

I've always heard "when we feel the least like exercising is when we need it the most"! Something to think about.

DanaDark

As crappy as it may sounds, it seems your problem is more so work than anything else.

4am to 8:15pm is not healthy by any stretch of the imagination. The mental toll it is taking out on you hinders your ability to focus on your own health.

Many people suggest this drink or that drink and this quick exercise and that quick exercise... I suggest a re-evaluation of your profession to see if it is truly a fit for you. At this point, it should be up to you to decide if this specific career/job is more important than your personal health and goals.

TheNewDodge

Meth