Working 50hrs+ and working out-Suggestions?

[kimmyv 0]

Hey bandster rock stars!! I am looking for suggestions/motivation/etc on getting my booty to the gym. I am a low BMI'r and exercise is going to be crucial for me-- I am already off to a sloooowww start.

I work ALOT of hours (am the branch manager so I don't have much of a choice) in a high stress career and just cannot get myself to the gym.

At the end of the day (who knows what time that is-differs every day-usually after it is dark) I cannot even face going to the gym. It is all I can do to walk to my car. Also- when I have gone after work before it wakes me up and I have problems (more than usual) getting to sleep.

The opposite is also true-I do have insomnia and it is just as bad for me in the morning......

I am sure I just need to suck it up and get myself on to a schedule in the morning...

Any suggestions are getting started? I have kind of done it before but I am just so exhausted (things are not good in my industry right now-I am happy I have a job). i do not have anyone to go with me either.

[SuzanneG 1]

I have a very similar issue as you. I get up at 4am and drive 82 miles each way to work. I get home at almost 7pm, so there is very little time to cook, eat, wind down, and get to bed.

Working out during the day isn't an option either as I don't have enough break time to workout, cool down, shower, put back on my professional clothes and redo hair and makeup.

You didn't say what kind of building you work in. I work on the 10th floor of my building. I figured that every step was a step closer to my health so initially I decided that every time I walked to the ladies room, I would walk a lap around my floor. Then as I started losing more weight, I added the steps. I walk all the way down and back up 10 flights of steps anywhere from 2 to 6 times a day. Now I've added 10 pushups when I get to the bottom, I turn around and lean on the 3rd step up and do 10 pushups, then head back up. When I get back to the top, I still take my lap around the floor so I can catch my breath and then back to my desk.

It takes surprisingly little extra time to do this and I find it's not hard to fit it into my day at all. I'm seeing the rewards for sure. My butt had flattened out and now it's round again and my legs feel strong and have visible muscles in them.

For me the key is to try to put extra steps into my day wherever I can.

[MacMadame 81]

If you get a pedometer and work your way up to 10,000 steps a day, that's actually a lot of exercise. It's the equivalent of walking 5 miles.

Here's some info on it:

http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html

[OH Juli 15]

Walking is a great option. Every time you can take a few more steps it will help.

If you can force yourself to something in the morning, perhaps having it out of the way will be helpful? Even if it's getting on a stationary bike as soon as you get out of bed.

I work a lot too but I get sweaty and stay gross through the remainder of my work day. No one seems to notice. But I don't have an office job.

[kimmyv 0]

Hi everyone!! The steps thing is a good idea-- I am going to park as far away from the office as I safely can. Unfortunately I am in a 1 floor office that is like 1500 sq feet. Not much room to do laps :w00t:. Everything is like 3 steps away so it will take a millineaum to reach 10k steps :w00t:.

After I posted this I started to watch "THe Biggest Loser". Good golly do they work out! And I started thinking about my 2nd fill today. And then the news came on and there was more talk about the # of foreclosures in Florida and the stock market (I do mortgages etc)--I thought about how lucky I am to have a job still (who knows if I will have it next week or next month). The bottom line is I went so far as to have surgery now I have to hold up my end of this bargain. I self-payed and if I am going to make this hard earned money worth it and to really committ to this band -I HAVE TO WORK OUT. I don't take excuses in my job and I can't take them from myself.

I did lose like 3 pounds since my last fill 2 weeks ago (am only weighing at my fills- I about drove myself insane weighing at home) but I know it would be more if I worked out.

Thanks for all your support!!!

[SuzanneG 1]

There are cubicle exercises you can do. Here are some great tips. Exercise at Your Desk The first page would only work if you have a private office, or a relaxed enough work environment for it not to be an issue, but the following pages have some quiet, low-key exercises you can do while sitting at your desk.

[Lisa B 0]

You could also try a couple of at-home fitness DVDs that are very quick. Two I like are "[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1225378829&sr=8-1]30 Day Shred[/ame]," which takes 20-25 minutes and is a killer workout (seriously, you'll have a hard time walking for a few days - it's great!) encompassing cardio, core and strength training. The second is the "10 Minute Solution" series. The one I like is the one with a [ame=http://www.amazon.com/10-Minute-Solution-Fitness-Workouts/dp/B000GEIRB4/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1225378906&sr=1-17]fitness ball[/ame], but there are dozens. On each there are usually five different workouts you can choose from, each lasting 10 minutes - core, upper body, lower body, cardio, flexibility. I usually do just the core and upper body, but since they're really just toning and sculpting you can do all of them in a row if you have the time. I also have the [ame=http://www.amazon.com/10-Minute-Solution-Kickbox-Bootcamp/dp/B000A3DGG2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1225378906&sr=1-13]Kickbox Bootcamp [/ame]which is fun for a change up. Again, each section lasts only 10 minutes. Surely you have 10 minutes in the morning or at night?

[blocka 0]

I find if I spend 30min on my exercise bike before work, I'm more alert during the day and feel better. And of course it burns off the calories. And if you can't spare 30mins a day on your health then maybe you have your priorities wrong

[Melody2006 1]

I bought a pedometer before my surgery and have used it every day since. I'm 4 months out. I'm loosing great. Not every single day have I hit 10,000 + but I'd say 90% of the time.

[kimmyv 0]

Hi!! Just checking in-- I am doing the couch to 5k program- started on Tuesday. Signed up for a 5k at the end of January to MAKE myself stay on track..... Literally.

The bottom line is this-- If I can devote 50 hrs a week to a job I basically despise then I can certainly devote the time to my own health. For the love of pete-- I had surgery to help me be done with the weight.

I am really excited and I hope that I stick with this!!! Let's DO IT!

[JuneAct2 0]

Maybe you could try this to get started:

8 Minutes in the Morning - Yahoo! Health

I am going to try it when I get back to real food. I am still on liquids for another week, so I haven't alot of energy right now.

Good luck to you.

[steph_co 9]

I agree that every little bit helps. Steps here and there. I was also reading some kind of article about making sure that you get up on your feet for 10 mins every hour. Standing burns more than sitting. I have no idea if you're sitting at a desk. But maybe you could get one of those medicine balls to sit on? Then you'd be working on your core a little bit while you're sitting at your desk. LOL Like one of these: Gaiam Ergonomic Balance Ball Chair - Black : Target

Can you maybe get up and go walking for a short 10 mins? You must get SOME kind of break during the day. 3 x 10-min walks works out to 30 mins of exercise. It's just as effective as getting it in one chunk, if not moreso from what I've read.