How do you exercise with sore feet?

photo_kyla
photo_kyla Posts: 322 Member
edited September 22 in Fitness and Exercise
I just started a new job last week and it has put a serious dent in my workout routine. It's doing sales in the electronics department of a BIG store and has me on my feet literally all day. The only time I get to sit down is at lunch. I have joint issues already, but standing and walking on thin carpet over concrete makes it 10 times worse. By the time I get home, I'm basically hobbling to the door. I was taking 4-5mile walks in the evening as well as doing a 45 minute workout in the mornings, but if I work the early shift, I don't have time for the gym before.

Does anyone else have a similar issue? What do you do?

Replies

  • groucherella
    groucherella Posts: 207
    Do you have access to an indoor pool?
  • Chenoachem
    Chenoachem Posts: 1,758 Member
    I have stand on concrete floors all day, so I understand. I do 2 things. 1. I always workout in the morning no matter how early I have to get up. 2. Somedays I use an exercise bike because it is less stress on my legs and feet.

    Good Luck.
  • photo_kyla
    photo_kyla Posts: 322 Member
    no pool :( and I can't do an exercise bike either (the joint issues - knees don't bend that much)
  • TaraMaria
    TaraMaria Posts: 1,975
    Yoga has been my key...I know its not always as heart pounding as cardio but its amazing and I always feel toned when I'm doing yoga routines versus other options. Maybe you could do something less impact on your feet, muscles and joints on the days you work and something more cardio related like walking/jogging on yours days off? Plus with Yoga it stretches you out and you feel amazing afterwards, a lot more relaxed! I love the 10 minute solutions Yoga DVD! :o)
  • mangorabbit
    mangorabbit Posts: 219 Member
    Big one if you have access - go for a swim! Great workout, and a nice way to relieve some of the tension built up from the standing/walking all day.

    I also get up early and make myself workout before those long days - I know I CAN do it after, but it is so much harder to find the motivation after the day when my feet/legs are complaining.

    ...and one more thing.... make sure your work shoes are GOOD. That much standing deserves some serious support/comfy shoes if you can find 'em that work with your requirements.
    Good luck!
  • ejsmith7
    ejsmith7 Posts: 81 Member
    I'm on my feet all day in a hospital. If i wear sneakers, my feet kill. So I started wearing Dansko/Sanita clogs and they have reduced foot and back pain almost completely. You might want to look into some, clogoutlet.com has factory seconds(minor blemishes) for $50ish. I would suggest going to a local store to get sized first since they are Euro sizes. Good Luck!!
  • gentlebreeze2
    gentlebreeze2 Posts: 450 Member
    I understand the knee issues. I walk with a cane after a stroke messed me up big time. When I first started on the bike I could handle 30 seconds before the pain in my knees was unbearable. However, I did not want to be sidelined permanently, so I pushed thru the pain. A year ago I was up to 30 minutes a day. Six months ago I was doing 60 minutes a day. Since I have joined mfp I do between 90 minutes and 120 minutes a day. As long as I keep using them... they seem to be ok and get better, but on those few days when I decided not to, I've noticed the pain starting to return. I know it's hard to juggle working and exercising, but I've placed my recumbent bike in front of the tv. If I want to watch tv, I peddle. Good luck
  • MabikBhai2009
    MabikBhai2009 Posts: 9
    I decided to try and stay fit with jump rope. My calves were sore before, but now they've adjusted. I usually do at least 30 minutes each day...However, a few days ago, my left foot started aching (the part...from jump rope and let it heal? If so, how long is acceptable? Thank you for your help!
  • MzBug
    MzBug Posts: 2,173 Member
    A good supportive hard shoe insert helps a bunch. A water bottle frozen, and roll it on the floor with your arches, and a massager on the bottom on the foot. Another good thing is peppermint lotion. Make sure you don't have some huge calus build up to throw off your balance.

    I have worked retail for the last 15 years, and before that I did waitressing. You only get one set of feet, so take care of them! Get a pedicure occasionally just for the sugar scrub, calus removal and massage. Take care of the feet and you can stay upright longer than your shift and get your workout in.
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