8-5 hour job need motivation

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Replies

  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    I'm sure that most of us work in 8 hour shifts with minimal movement. It's not unusual and not a valid excuse.

    Walk during your breaks. If you get in 15 minutes in the morning, 15 at lunch and 15 in the afternoon, that could be three miles/6000-7500 steps by the end of the work day. Add an hour workout before or immediately after work and you are golden.

    If you have weekends off--even better!
  • bri170lb
    bri170lb Posts: 1,375 Member
    I work 8 to 5.

    I do not like to exercise first thing in the morning so I go to the gym or go jogging right after work.

    I take breakfast lunch and a snack to work with me every day and I do not go out for fast food like everyone else. I do not eat treats that others bring in, I stick to what I bring with me. If I start my day right, it is easier to stay on track later in the day.

    I joined a gym that has classes that start at 530. I go to Zumba a couple of times a week. I pack my gym bag every morning after I pack my food.

    I often put dinner in the crock pot or have a definite plan for dinner when I get home. On days when I don't do this it is easy to go overboard because I'm hungry when I get home.

    On days when I have to cart kids around to activities, I plan ahead to eat out and carefully choose the resturant so that I know there are good choices for me.

    Week days are much easier for me than weekends because of the regular routine.

    I try to pre log my food as often as possible.
  • meredithgir199
    meredithgir199 Posts: 243 Member
    I work an 8-5 job with a 45 minute commute each way. I typically come home, cook dinner and eat with the family before heading to the gym. I can not motivate myself at home so in order to get a workout in, I MUST get to the gym.

    The key to an exercise routine is making yourself a priority. Find an activity that you like and find ways to fit it into your schedule. You can get up early to hit the gym or do an exercise video at home or you can workout at lunch. Buy a fitbit and focus on getting 10000 steps a day to start.

    Everyone is different. You have to find what works best for you!
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    How do you find time to sleep?

    Just exercise during the other 16 hours of the day. Before work. After work. On weekends.

  • Mini_Medic
    Mini_Medic Posts: 343 Member
    I work 24 on 48 off EMS shifts, plus a minimum of 8 hrs overtime, usually 36 overtime per two weeks. I make time to exercise, work it in where I can and bring food for my long days so I don't get tempted by the quick fixes of fast food or gas station snacks during night shifts. If you really want a challenge, try to eat a meal six times and then get called out every single time until you are so hungry you'll munch your coworkers forearm. Then after you've been up all night hauling toothaches and stuffy noses to the ER try to conjure the energy to go work out and after eat healthy and not reach for the closest high sugar carb food just to keep yourself conscious. Some days I would literally kill for an 8-5 job, but I love my work and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It just requires adapting to ever changing situations and making real habits that will pull you through the tough times.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I reached the lowest weight I've been this century while working 8-6 with an hour commute on either end. My OH did the shopping and cooking and there was a lot of lean protein and veggies and a dearth of empty calories. I walked a little at lunch, swam on the weekends, and did yoga here and there. At that job, there was no temptation.

    Unfortunately, at my next two jobs, there was a lot of temptation, which I did little to resist. And since I no longer had the long hours, I cooked more, and it was higher calorie.
  • luv2bowl6
    luv2bowl6 Posts: 62 Member
    This is my schedule:
    I wake up at 530 in the morning and try to do between 30-45 of exercise this includes cardio
    I also work 8-5 during my breaks and lunches where u take my leisurely walks to get my blood moving. My goal is 12000 steps.
    I have taught myself to track my calories before I eat it so I know what I am going to consume before I eat it. This works alot so I don't forget.

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I hit the gym a few nights per week after work. I usually ride at lunch.
  • oh_happy_day
    oh_happy_day Posts: 1,137 Member
    I go to yoga before walk, gym after work. I use any opportunity to walk around - use a bathroom on another floor, do circuits of the floors and stairwells, I use the speakerphone and pace around my office while I'm speaking to people etc. A few times a day I walk up to the very top of the building. I usually hit 10,000 steps before I leave work just by doing this.

    I always take my own lunch and snacks. I food prep as much as possible on the weekends. I don't step foot in the cafeteria. I bring healthy contributions to shared morning teas and/or bring my own snack so I can still be social without gorging on food. I still eat that birthday cupcake but I fit it into my calories.

    It's not particularly difficult. It just becomes a way of life.
  • tracie_minus100
    tracie_minus100 Posts: 465 Member
    I work 7-4, office job as well.
    I'm lucky and have a gym at work that I can use on my lunch break. The downside is that I can only workout for 30 minutes max, and don't have time to shower right after. So I do a half hour of cardio on my lunch break everyday. The rest of my workouts are in the evenings after my kids go to bed, and on the weekends.
    I get up as often as I can and walk a bit. I'll take the scenic route to the bathroom, I'll make multiple trips to do things even if I could do it all in one. I park far away and take the stairs.
    I do the best I can. But I'm still stuck to that desk for most of the day.
  • Nell8i8
    Nell8i8 Posts: 61 Member
    I work an 8-5 job with a 45 minute commute each way. I typically come home, cook dinner and eat with the family before heading to the gym. I can not motivate myself at home so in order to get a workout in, I MUST get to the gym.
    I'm the same way during the week. If I say I'll workout at home it aint happening lol
    I turn into super girl at the gym.

  • krishnap1104
    krishnap1104 Posts: 53 Member
    Thank you all! Please help with my other post on Hypothyroidism!!
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    I work on the fourth floor, but use the restroom or fill my water bottle in the basement. I take a walk on my morning, lunch and afternoon breaks. I usually have about 9,000 steps by the end of my work day.

    I go to the gym four/five nights a week while my son is at his sports practice.
  • kandell
    kandell Posts: 473 Member
    I try to get up at least once every hour, whether it's re-filling my water or going to the restroom. On top of that, I try to get in short little walks at least once a day (just a quick lap around the inside of my building, nothing crazy).
  • treehopper1987
    treehopper1987 Posts: 505 Member
    I work out after work, typically Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. During the day though, you can park your car further away from the building and take the stairs, take a walk throughout the day. I get up about once an hour to stretch and move my legs.
  • c123c
    c123c Posts: 81 Member
    Invested in a cross trainer, used to come home and watch tv till bedtime now just stick my iPad on the cross trainer and watch tv that way!!

  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I get up at 4:30 AM and get out and run, If I am lifting weights I run 3 miles and stop at the gym for a bit using the remaining mile to cool down. I can get back by 6:00 and my exercise is done with no chance for interruptions. I know it sounds awful but after about a week it becomes habit. I haven't set an alarm clock in years.
  • misskarne
    misskarne Posts: 1,765 Member
    I work more or less the same. Fortunately I am close enough to walk to work (which I tend to do as long as it's not belting down rain), and then after work on some evenings I go to the rink, or I do an exercise DVD at home.

    The key thing is to tell yourself to do it anyway. It's remarkable how tired we can think we are after doing nothing but sitting for eight hours...
  • lauraesh0384
    lauraesh0384 Posts: 463 Member
    I work 7:30-6 (usually get home around 6:30-6:45) and I'm on my feet 95% of the day since I work in a veterinary clinic. There are days where the last thing I want to do is come home and work out, but I just somehow find the drive and push myself to do it. It gets easier when you lose more weight and have more energy. I love the feeling after the work out is done. You feel like you accomplished a lot.
  • mccraee
    mccraee Posts: 199 Member
    I work way more than 8.5 hours a week. I get up early and workout before I go in 3x per week. On the other days, I will do 20-30 mins of elliptical at the office, before I get in my car to go home (or it won't happen). Also, I walk at lunch whenever the weather permits. Its a good mental health break
  • krishnap1104
    krishnap1104 Posts: 53 Member
    What do you guys normally pack for lunch? or if you eat out, what are some of your healthy choices?
  • dubird
    dubird Posts: 1,849 Member
    I didn't exercise. I changed a few things, like taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator, parking a little further away, stuff like that. But I lost weight just by adjusting my calories in. I've been trying add walking in as it's good for my asthma, but not for losing weight.

    For my lunches, I researched restaurants nearby and found meals that I would like for under about 450 calories. That's what I 'budgeted' for my lunches. Sure, means eating a lot of salads, but at least I'm getting some greens that way. It helps a lot to know what you're going to order before you eat out, no matter when you do. Makes things easier in the restaurant, and you won't feel guilty ordering something on impulse.
  • Alarae21
    Alarae21 Posts: 171 Member
    I work 8:30 - 4:30. During my half hour lunch break, I'll go for a walk. It's down the hill and back up again, so it's a nice route.

    I go to the gym for 6 and do a couple of classes (45-60 mins each), home just after 8pm. I also go to a couple of classes on Saturday, with Sunday being my fun day.

    Once you get into a routine you won't feel like you are squeezing it in. I've gone from a five hour evening (home until bed) to a two and a halfish hour evening and I genuinely don't notice the difference now. Just part of my lifestyle now! I can't imagine not going to the gym now.
  • krishnap1104
    krishnap1104 Posts: 53 Member
    Yes! I just met my trainer yesterday and she wants me to come to the gym for 30minutes (during lunch hour) and work out, and then go back after work and do some light cardio. I'm hoping it helps!!
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,616 Member
    I have an office job as well ... but I make a point not to sit 8 hours a day. I walk as part of my commute to and from work. I walk at lunch. And I get up several times a day and climb stairs. Then, after work, I go for another walk or bicycle ride ... and/or lift weights in my basement gym.
  • cadpro78
    cadpro78 Posts: 125 Member
    edited April 2016
    Yes, like others have said NO VENDING MACHINE snacks... i'm sure your not right? Those calories will sink you fast, trust me I know. lol My 8-5 job is the same boat. But I pack a healthy lunch of ham and cheese sandwich, some nuts usually almonds and pistachios, and lots of fruit for snack times. And water I try to get 6-8 cups a day - Guarantee!

    Maybe do some sit-up or push-up or walk around the office really fast at lunch on sunny days if you can.

    Do you have a dog? I have lab/beagle that keeps me on my toes - left and right. She is a good trainer... that in my spouse. She is there for me during the rough patches where I don't lose a single ounce.
  • beckyml1980
    beckyml1980 Posts: 126 Member
    My co workers and I do a half hour workout of some kind from 12 - 12:30. I also get up between 4 and 4:30 am and get a morning workout it. I work full time and have 2 kids and a husband that works opposite shifts as me... And I am also in school to become an accountant. It's all about making the time. I would suggest walking on your lunch break.

    I also pre-pack my lunch. I make sure to have two healthy snacks, a good lunch. If you do a little prep nightly it makes it a lot easier. Good luck
  • beckyml1980
    beckyml1980 Posts: 126 Member
    DavPul wrote: »
    You work 8 whole hours? 5 days a week?

    Right?!! A whole 8 hours, 5 days a week like the majority of people here.

    OP I work 8 hours a day 5 days a week in an office sitting on my butt the majority of the day. I get up at 5 am to work out for about an hour. I eat breakfast at home and bring my lunch to work. I've managed to lose weight working the same amount of hours/days.

    <3<3 My sister from another mister!!!
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    MWF up at 5AM for strength training and a spin class. I also make sure I work out on weekends. That leaves Tues and Thurs as off or recovery days. I also shoot for 10k steps a day on my FitBit: regardless of whether or not I work out. I happen to have a very nice one mile walking trail around on our campus, so when the weather is nice I will often do a couple of laps 2 or 3 times a week (usually on Tues, Thurs and Fri morning). As for eating: plan ahead! I keep things for "grab and go" like fruit, boiled eggs, avocados, mini quiche etc. When you cook, make enough for leftovers for lunch the next day. I also spend time on Sundays prepping vegetables, soups (for freezing) etc.
  • cynfl211
    cynfl211 Posts: 2 Member
    I quit smoking and started working out all at the same time. Instead of taking "smoke breaks", I now take "walking breaks" where I walk around our building. Depending on the size of the office/building you work in, your walk might consist of back and forth in front, or around multiple times - but for me, I can get .3 miles don in 6 minutes by walking around the outside - and since I used to take 4-6 minute breaks frequently, going by boss doesn't mind me taking a walk 2-3 times a day. Then I take my dogs on a walk after work. I am also starting to try to go to the gym before work, as it gives me more energy for the day.