I consider myself a healthy person. I am borderline obsessed with food and nutrition, therefore I usually eat really, really well. Its green smoothies, big raw salads, soups, etc all the time. However, I am about 15 pounds overweight and pretty un-toned. Why is this? Well, let me tell you… I pay $50 a month for a gym membership. Its a gym I love, and it has the classes like spinning and yoga that I love, but I can’t go. Because I need to work two jobs at the moment, and this means I spend about 70 hours a week at work. Not. Fun. And I have been doing this since August, and since August I have been to the gym 3 times. Its not that I don’t want to go because I do. I really, REALLY do. But on my nights off from the part time job, all I want to do is crash into bed and sleep until the next morning. And I rarely get a full day off from both. So that’s the issue. And I’m not really sure how to work around this.
At first I thought it would be good to walk the dog in the mornings. But then I remembered that I already get up at 5:30 to be at the full time job by 7, so that was out. Then I thought I would go on my nights off, but then like I said, sleep usually prevails. This past weekend I thought I would go after working at the part time job, but by the time I had worked my 8 hour shift, my feet and legs hurt so bad from standing so long that I was crying a little bit after I got home. (I have circulation issues… whole other story, but yes, my feet and legs do sometimes hurt that bad.) So I am out of ideas. Does anyone have ideas for me?? Because when I am able to quit the part time job, I have all these plans to change my hours at my full time job to start at 8:30, and go to the gym before work. But its not possible right now. I do have this coming Sunday and Monday off completely from both jobs. (Thanks Easter.) I WILL be walking the dog and going to the gym on those days. But then after that, well, I work Tuesday-Friday at both, and the shortest day will be 11.5 hours. And then I work Saturday as well, 3-11. So if anyone has time-management suggestions, I am very open to hearing them!!!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I have the same problem during the week and haven’t really found a way to get myself to the gym more, but maybe you could try and get in some stretching/gymnastics in the morning before you go to work. Since you said you wanted to tone your body, that would be a good way to start and it wouldn’t take up a ridiculous amount of time in the morning, maybe 20 minutes.
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@san, I should stratch in the morning. Good idea.. its not exactly calorie-burning, but I bet it would give me a little boost of energy. Thanks!!
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OK, I’ve got nothin in terms of suggestions, but I do want to say that I think you’re amazing for juggling all that you are. And what an awesome drive that you’re actually concerned about working out at a time like this (chock full o’ stress). I hope you get some great suggestions and come up with something brilliant, but in the meantime, you’re pretty awesome and I hope you know that!
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@Natalie Cottrell, wow, thanks, I appreciate the compliment! Its one of the nicest things someone has said to me
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My boyfriend has this problem. He is constantly working over 40 hours a week, and after that, no one really wants to go to the gym or work out. I’m interested to see your feedback so maybe there will be something that will help him!
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 8:52 pm
@Jen, Its definitely rough. After reading these comments, I’m happy to see that I’m not alone in this work schedule. I do’t think I know anyone else IRL who works two jobs and so I usually feel alone and like I’m missing out on a lot. You all made me feel a lot better!
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That’s how I gained all the weight I’m trying now to take off. 80 to 90 hour weeks plus kids. Thank God I’m not married or else I’d have to dive off a cliff.
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@Lanine Bradley, I want to know how you do it and you’re NOT married. Damn. I feel lazy now and there aren’t a lot of people who “shame” me like that lol. I would die if I had kids as well.. good luck!
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I’m with Natalie… you are amazing, chica!!! How on earth do you stay sane?
Is it possible to walk to work at all? That’s what I used to do when I was working two jobs… but I know not everyone can do that where they live
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 8:57 pm
@LiLu, I SO appreciate this support from you ladies!! Blogging and my DVR keep me sane
I can’t easily walk to the full time job, its over 5 miles away and I already get up at 5:30. Target is out of the question as its a 20 minute DRIVE. I was thinking that it would be really nice to bike to work, but I don’t have the money for a bike at the moment. Its on the list of “things I will do/buy when I have money.”
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Is it possible to work-out during lunch at your full-time job? Even if it’s just going outside and walking around the block a few times, that could help get a little bit of cardio in. And you might want to not go home directly from work on your days off from your full-time job. Go to the gym anyway. You’ll actually have more energy, and I’m guessing that instead of going to sleep you’re actually just watching TV, so clearly you’re awake. Or do some exercises at home while watching TV. Buy some free weights from Target and do some at home strength training. Next Saturday, when you work from 3-11, you should definitely work out in the morning. In may even help you stay awake and feel better when you’re on your feet. If you’re part-time job causes your legs to hurt, then at least when you go home you can do your arms and just stretch out. As someone with diabetes and circulation probs, I know that more exercise, not less, will help in the long run.
Good luck!
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 9:03 pm
@Allison Blass, You’re partially right. I start out watching TV but I always fall asleep for at least an hour on the nights that I don’t work. I did today, BUT I also grabbed the dog and we went for a half hour walk/run when I woke up. I feel really good now, but its really hard to get that motivation. I do plan to do something next Saturday before work, and this Saturday as well since I don’t go till 2. I’m sorry you are dealing with the circulation issues as well, its not something I would wish on anyone. Its hard to know that I’m having issues at 26 that are usually reserved for much older people, but that’s life sometimes. My feet can be so swollen after work or a workout that my shoes don’t fit well. My veins are so weak that they can’t draw the blood back up from my feet very well, hence all the pain and swelling. I’m hoping that maybe if I shed these 15 pounds I will have a little relief.
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I have the same problem. I wish there was an easy solution, but I’m just trying to get myself in the mindset that any exercise I fit in is good. On the days I work 15 hours, I can’t do much more than stretches and calisthenics at night before bed and then I try to fit some cardio in on the few days I have enough time. Maybe you can find some things to do at home. That way you can come home from work and rest for a bit before getting a little exercise. Going to the gym can feel like such an event and it takes a lot of motivation to get yourself there; doing something from home on the days when that’s your only option will keep you going through the week.
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 9:05 pm
@Ashley, I am debating possibly ending the gym membership and doing more with running and home workout DVD’s. It would be cheaper, that’s for sure, but the only thing is I love spinning and yoga and I plan to go as often as possible whenever I am able to quit Target. But it makes me feel better knowing there is someone else in the same boat I’m in!
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Wow, you are a busy bee! Since you can’t possibly eat any healthier, or less without dying, you definitely have to increase the exercise (which you already know). Could you jump rope for 10 minutes in the a.m. and before you go to bed, do lunges around your place? Would it be possible to bike to either of your jobs? If you can find the time to work out, it will increase your energy in the long run. By the way, I’m the Queen of advice, but I never take it myself
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 9:07 pm
@Nikki, I would totally bike to my full time job if I had the money for a bike. Its something I have bene wanting to do for a while. When I can afford a bike, I think I will do this.
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yuuup I’m right there with ya. working two jobs because I have to and no time to do anything else and when I do have a rare amount of free time, yup— SLEEP. I even go to my parent’s sometimes on various wknds and end up taking naps and they think I’m crazy and I get all stabby wanting to yell how I work two jobs
I try to walk at work when I can though and pick healthy choices for nutrition
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 9:10 pm
@Amy, I KNOW. The reason for working two jobs is because my boyfriend was laid off over a year ago and has not been able to find a full time job since. He works about 25 hours a week and is constantly complaining about how exhausted he is, and I “don’t understand.” I want to slap his face off. Yes, he works overnight, and yes, his job is more physical, but puh-lease. 25 hours and 70 hours are not the same, thanks. (Not to make it sound like he doesn’t appreciate what I do, because he does, but sometimes he has a man moment and needs to be checked.) And I eat as healthy as I possibly can, its what gives me the little energy that I do have.
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Ok, now this might sound a little ridiculous, but I’ve learned that it has worked for me to add exercise in small increments throughout the day. And here is what I do….Every time I go to the bathroom, I’ll do a set of something…whether it be jumping jacks, wall push ups, squats, lunges, you name it. I also do wall squats while brushing my teeth. And work my calf muscles by going up and down on my tip toes (I don’t remember what this exercise is called) while I’m microwaving something, or waiting for the toast in the toaster. Now this isn’t going to be a full workout, but by the end of the day you can find out that you’ve done 70-100 wall push ups and you can feel it at the end of the day.
Or this can be completely weird. I understand if you think that!
Amanda
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 9:12 pm
@Amanda, Not weird, I think this is a fabulous idea and I am going to try it. Thanks so much!!
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What about using a big exercise ball for a chair at work to work your abs, or putting ankle weights on your legs while you walked around the office? You could kill two birds with one stone.
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racheleliz Reply:
April 1st, 2010 at 9:14 pm
@Michelle, My office is full of Wendy’s and McDonalds bags, donuts, bagels and pizza at any given moment. I get the weirdest looks from people if they happen to see my green smoothie in the morning. This is something I would love to do, but I don’t think others can handle it lol. However, I may get some ankle weights and use them while walking the dog, so thanks for that inspiration, I never thought of that.
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I’m so impressed by what you’re doing! I cannot imagine how tired you must be- I worked 60 hours a week (at one job) for a while and I was D-E-A-D. It sounds to me like you’re getting in little bits here and there, so that’s good! Maybe instead of putting any pressure on yourself to workout every day, just say at first maybe 3 days a week you’ll get in a 30 minute jog, and then on the other days do crunches and push ups at home? Even 20-30 minutes is going to make you feel better. Sure, it may not be a crazy, calorie-burning gym workout but at this point your goals can and should be centered around taking care of yourself and staying sane!
I’m so impressed by women that just go out and do what needs to be done, like you’re doing. Hang in there!
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racheleliz Reply:
April 2nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
@LesleyG, Aw, thanks for the support! I used to work crazy overtime at my full time job, sometimes up to an extra 40 hours. But then I was promoted and now I am at a salaried position, so no more overtime. I miss that option though, because since it was overtime, I made the schedule and could just do it whenever. Having a second job isn’t as flexible, because I need to work when they say I do lol.
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