Counting your job as your fitness?

ZoAnnAlexis
ZoAnnAlexis Posts: 34
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey everyone! I have been working a 4 hour shift starting at 2 in the afternoon for the past year now, and just this week I started a second job and have been working on my feet at a hotel front desk from 7am-1pm and then at an after school program for k-6 children chasing kids around from 2pm-6pm everyday. Not only am I mental tired from such a dramatic change of sleep schedule, but also from being up and moving (even if it is only slow and moderately) all day long. So on my exercise log I have made a "Work" option in my database, and I have been using it against my caloric intake. Is this okay? Because its such long hours, it ends up being a lot of calories, so sometimes I feel guilty that those calories haven't come from an actual physical activity. I wasn't planning on continuing this for too much longer, only until my body gets used to the adjustment. But for now, I just feel like I have physically exerted myself enough simply working, that I have to count at least a few of those calories? What do you think, is this okay?

Replies

  • KristynStephens15
    KristynStephens15 Posts: 843 Member
    I wouldnt count it as exercise. I would just change it under your daily activity level.
  • tifmarie9
    tifmarie9 Posts: 28 Member
    I definitely think the child care one is ok. I created an exercise for playing with my daughter. :)
  • andi_isit303
    andi_isit303 Posts: 30
    hey, take it where you can get it!!! i actually have a bodybugg, and it measures calories ALL DAY - so i DEF count during work. i count when im not doing anything, and i count when i'm sleeping :) of course, its all measured, etc, and whatnot (i dont log on MFP) -- but you SHOULD count it on here!

    i would under-estimate how much you actually do though, just so you don't accidently go over in calories thinking you burn more than you actually do.
  • thirtyandthriving
    thirtyandthriving Posts: 613 Member
    I can only what I do. I work at a hospital and walk all day long, but I don't count any of it. I only count actual intended workouts. I don't want to sabotage by entering calories that I may not have actually burnt. If you don't eat back your calories then it doesn't matter either way. If you do, you may end up going over unintentionally.
  • shonasteele
    shonasteele Posts: 473
    I would change your activity level instead of counting it as exercise because you're doing it most days. That will allow you more calories every day, then log anything over & above your 'normal' activity.
  • grassette
    grassette Posts: 976 Member
    If your work isn't getting your heart rate up, it might not work as an exercise.
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