Okay, so, I really don't have the time to go to the gym a couple of days a week, but, I was wondering if this was enough exercise for weight loss:
I work in the city so I walk 30 minutes from the train station to my job, then work a 6-8hr shift, constant standing, walking, and lifting. After that I walk 30 minutes back to the train station.
So in total, I walk an hour a day + my work shift.
And hopefully I can put together my bike and set it up in my basement and do that on days I do not work.
But a gym really isn't an option since I work 5 days a week and I am gone for a good 10+ hrs a day.
Anything will help. Weight loss is possible for some people even if they can't/don't exercise, they just have to eat less. Not to mention, the amount any individual body will need to successfully drop weight varies, both between people and based on the number of calories the person is consuming.
It's a lot of activity, though, particularly if you're on your feet all day. Still, you might consider adding in some strength training...you can even do it in front of the TV or whatever at night, or while you're doing other things...it makes a big difference, in my experience, with weight loss and how your body looks at goal.
You certainly are getting enough walking in during the day. I agree with mandalinn82 that some strength training is worth a try. That way you can shape your body and build some muscle.
I think the problem is that you are stuck in the city during the day. That means a lot of temptation- long days with all those neat stands that sell sweets, and maybe having to buy lunches. So really concentrate on your diet. If you are eating more calories than you are burning, then it won't matter how active your job is; you will still gain weight.
Really plan out your munchies for the day, so you won't be tempted to pick something up without thinking.
WormwoodDoll,
my question would be this, how long have you worked your job and kept the same 'program'.....I hate when I was working fourteen hour days and hearing someone tell me, You'd make time to go to the doctor, or get your nails done... you need to make time for your health... argh, but there is truth to that. Your body may be very used to the walking you do now, and without knowing how long your heart rate is elevated, it's hard to say whether or not this much walking is enough.
Something that helped me, and yes this is going to sound silly, is actually re-learning to jump rope. All earthquake jokes aside, being a big girl, i learned I could keep my heart rate up without needing a ton of time. I don't mean jumping like you did in school with both feet off the floor at the same time, but alternating one foot then the other in a jogging or stair climbing motion.
Your body needs to be pushed, if you aren't breathing deeply and sweating to some extent you aren't pushing your body enough to really make a difference.
I just want to say that there are 24 hours in a day. I have 4 jobs, am starting a new business and I have and a son- yet I manage to work out every day for at least an hour. Don't sell yourself short! There is no reason why you can't buy a resist. band to use at home and do something. I also suggest a pedometer and a goal of so many steps a day. I honestly don't count all that I normally do a day as exercise and trust me I am really active in 2 jobs and teach kids yoga. There are weeks I work 90 hrs. (at min. 65) and I have NO days off. If you make it a priority and get serious- you CAN do it.
Last edited by Hart; 06-28-2008 at 07:25 PM.
Reason: oopsy
I have to agree with those who say you can find time if you make it. Even if it's not going to the gym, you can find time to actually work out hard enough to raise your heart rate and burn some fat.
The thing about the exercise level of your job is that eventually your body becomes accustomed to a steady level of exertion. I mean, there are even fat longshoremen and construction workers - because after a while your body adapts to constant movement and it isn't "exercise" as such. It's just what you do every day.
OTOH, because of the amount of activity you do, you'll probably be able to lose more through diet alone than most of us (like me, who sits at a computer 10 hours a day or more) before you hit a stall.
Thanks. I was planning on doing workouts at home. We have a treadmill, a bike, and dumbells. That is just where I am most of my day.
As for working in the city, you think it would be tempting. But since I started working there, I actually eat less. And at lunch I usually get myself a fruit salad or a sandwich that is on whole grain bread and has some veggies to it.
Quick question regarding exercise
