Curious question: Sign Language Interpreting calories?

I know this is an old topic, but I was about to post a similar topic and thought I'd search through the forum first.

I'm a full-time sign language interpreter, and some days I do 8 hour conferences (team interpreted, obviously, or I would injur myself but it's 15-20 "on" then the same "off" but still paying attention and prompting my co-interpreter). Now, my dietician tells me I can't count it as "exercise" which I kind of agree with because it's not really cardio and it's not really strength, but it's 4+ hours a day of vigorous arm movements and 8+ hours a day of brain work which sucks my energy dry.

I read somewhere online (I know, you can't really trust online sources) that interpreting and conducting orchestras burn the same number of calories, and that's about 160/hour. So my dilemma is that standing/sitting all day isn't activeity, but interpreting isn't actually sedintary. So what do I do?

i've lost 39lbs (18kg) so far and am working out 5 times per week, so it's not like I'm looking for an excuse. I just think that interpreting has to count for something as on my big, heavy days, when my arms are flying at ninja speed, I am often just exhausted and hungry.

Any other interpreters out there? Anyone with any helpful advice?

jimmer, thanks for your response. I hadn't thought of it like tai chi. It makes sense that it would be similar.

I might see how I go for a few weeks logging it like that and see what impact it has on my weight loss.

*yay! I have someone else who thinks that waving my hands around ninja style would be burning calories!*


Edit: I log EVERY skeric that goes in my mouth. Totally pedantic about that. I just wanted to reply to your warning to log calories with the same fervour.

I'm an interpreter too. I don't log the calories. I figure signing didn't help me lose weight before as it's part of my normal daily routine. I wish the mental exhaustion that comes with an extended session burned calories.

It is an interesting question. I'd love to wear my HRM to find out, but the watch part is so bulky, and probably distracting.

Good question, I often work with interpreters and I'm in awe if the job you guys do - both the mental and physical aspects of it.
I thunk it would be pretty hard to log it as a separate exercise, but would include it in your daily activity level - ifvyoure at sedentary, bump it up to lightly active to account for the extra activity.

Or you could look at a gadget to record your calories burnt all day - something like Fitbit woukd probably be best. As you're not doing a cardio activity, a HRM isn't going to be much use here.

Thanks! I'll try it and report back! Hopefully it'll be some exciting, and emotional for maximum calorie burn!

Awesome! Let us know. If it could be something ultra tricky and wordy, fast paced and without interruptions (other than to swap terps) that would be awesome! lol

I've wondered this too! I've noticed I'm more hungry on the days I work crazy hours...but it's not everyday (we had an ice storm so I'm stuck inside for the next couple of days). I was at a loss as to how I should count it. I'm trying to workout a few days a week and I've kept it at a sedentary lifestyle to compensate for the days I don't do much. I should add that I've been interpreting about 20 years so it rarely wears me out anymore and I have about 40 more lbs to lose. I'm not a huge eater anymore (I'm 36). Thanks for the suggestions!

7 year old thread