Returning to work, Help

Hi everyone,

I am returning to work on Tuesday, four weeks after my surgery, and I am concerned.  I am not worried about the work itself, I am worried about continuing my workout routine.  I work 10 hour days and commute 50 minutes each way.  When I get home I start my taxi service, so evenings fill up fast.  I joined the gym I belong to because it opens at 4:00 am.  So I was working out before work in the morning and plan to continue that, but I am a little worried that it may start to fall off.  I started doing more, adding weight training to my daily routine and need to continue at my current level.  Any suggestions for staying motivated to get to the gym even earlier than before my surgery?

Hi DrJudi,

I have a similar schedule to yours. I have a one hour commute each way and the last 3 days I've worked 10-12 hours per day. I've come to the conclusion I can't keep having the high demanding jobs I have and commute and take good care of my health. You are human and there is only so much you can do. You can look at possibilities like only getting up twice per week early in the morning to exercise and making sure you go to the gym on the weekends and the days you don't get up early, take a walk  during your lunch hour. That isn't an option for me because most of the time I am wearing business attire and it's so hot out starting in May, I can't get sweaty and yucky in the middle of the day.

I also belong to a gym that has a branch near where I work and a branch where I live. When I don't have after regular business hour meetings I go to the gym where I work. My commute ends up being lighter because I am not going at the peak of rush hour.

Good luck. Remember, you're only human and you may have to adjust a few things or do less to keep up with being healthy.

MsBlues

Hey Judi,

I can't believe how much weight you have lost! Good for you. After reading your post Iam never going to complain about being busy ever again!! I have to agree with the other person about doing what you can when you can. Do you exercise hours a day right now? Or are you still recouping a little? It sounds like you hit the ground running from the surgery. Make sure you ley us know how everything went for you...the reactions and everything. Good luck and good thoughts going your way...

Becky

No, I do about 30 minutes on the treadmill and 20 minutes of weights 5 days a week.  Then walking and whatever during the day.  Yeah I tried to get out to the gym as soon as I could.  It is just easy now to fit it in, when I go back to work that just fills my days as it does for everyone else.  Ah work the baine of the lesure class.

Judi

Walk during lunch?

Thanks everyone,

I will try and incorporate as many suggestions as I can, and just continue as best as I can.  I know that I have to continue to make exercise a priority.

Judi

Hi Judi!

I went back to work after 7 days and wouldn't do that again as it really cut into me establishing a good workout routine.  Bravo on taking the 4 weeks off and getting off to a great start.

I'm lucky enough to be able to walk to work and back.  I take 30 minutes at lunchtime to go for a brisk walk with a coworker.  I'm grateful to get that time.   Use those breaktimes to get in as much movement as you possibly can. 

I joined a 6 week fitness challenge over on the Lightweight board to keep me accountable and motivated to keep moving.  Get someone to buddy up with you that you're accountable to.

You've gotten great suggestions.  Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

Thanks Lee, for more great suggestions.

Judi

Hi Judy,

Good Luck on going back to work.  If at anytime you are looking for someone to walk with in the evening, just let me know. I would be happy to go with you. We will have to get after Barb to come with us. We all live so close to each other. It is hard going back to work, but you will get into a routine with work and exercise, it will just take a bit. Just do what you can. Let us know how going back to work goes.

Great idea, Eileen.

Let me know when you are up for walking.