[Dagny18]

I am exhausted after work...I started a new job. It really isn't physical but I still find that I am exhausted. I haven't been motivated to exercise, when I get home I just want to sleep.
I am wondering what I can do to prevent this? I get plenty of sleep at night, 8-9 hours. But still find myself sleepy...
Any ideas?
I was thinking of just giving myself a week or two to adjust and get used to it and skip exercise for now?

[Sunshine87]

I was just telling my workout partner the same thing this afternoon. I am just absolutely exhausted after work but there are some ways to make it to the gym despite my lethargy. I will drink diet soda and/or listen to loud, upbeat music. Getting a gym buddy is also helpful because you can't quite ditch them. I would not stop going to the gym because it is hard to return after you halt a good habit. Good luck at your new job!

[Dagny18]

I don't go to a gym....I do workout dvds in the basement. But, since the new job I am considering visiting gyms in the area (even just for the fun of it) and if I really like and join, it would be extra motivation.
But yea...maybe I just need a week to adjust?

[JenMusic]

Don't feel guilty if you DO need a week off your regular workout routine to adjust. Starting a new job might not be physically taxing (depending on the job) but there's a lot of mental and emotional energy that you're using right now.

But I wouldn't suggest eliminating all physical activity - even a short walk after dinner can help with stress and mood and energy.

Also, have a plan for when you're going to go back to your regular routine. Don't wait until you "feel like it," choose a date in the future and stick with it. You can re-evaluate then, but (in my experience!) it's way too easy to keep saying "later" when it comes to exercise.

[Dagny18]

Thanks!
I was thinking about not exercising for the rest of the week...but next week I am going to do "easy" exercises...maybe 2-3 days of the week?
Easy being things like Pilates, yoga, walking ect. and then when I get used to that, keep adding intensity again?
It is an office/sitting job but if I am this sleepy, I can't imagine how I would have felt if I still weighed 300 pounds and ate horribly like I did before!

[hobbes11]

I know how you feel! I am the same way, and I'm looking for a way to fix it. I started a job a month ago and I am pooped when I get home. I think I'm going to start getting home, getting changed, and working out immediately. I need to do that so I can relax and enjoy my evening.

Maybe you can pump yourself up with loud music on the way home or driving with your windows wide open. That helps me sometimes.

[winningloser]

Is there anyway you can workout before work? Lunch hour?

Another thought, if you do decide to join a gym, join one close to your work or between work and home. That way, you can just stop over to the gym on your way home. Workout's done!

[Dagny18]

I am not a morning person....I get up at 6:30 a.m. as it is...
We don't have a lunch hour actually...I eat at my desk :/
Yes, there is a gym about 5 miles from work...I don't think it is a flashy one (like no pool ect) but it is on the route to home

[TrishG]

I'm not a morning person either! I can lift weight in the am since it doesn't require much energy but cardio FORGET ABOUT IT!
When I work out in the evenings I usually have a protein smoothie= some berries mixed with unsweetend almond milk and a scoop of protein powder (i use pea protien) That helps give me the boost I need and the mind set that I need "I am going to go work out and I need to be pumped" since its routine. Some loud high energy music doesn't hurt either!

[winningloser]

Originally Posted by Dagny18

I am not a morning person....I get up at 6:30 a.m. as it is...
We don't have a lunch hour actually...I eat at my desk :/
Yes, there is a gym about 5 miles from work...I don't think it is a flashy one (like no pool ect) but it is on the route to home

I know what you mean. I used to not be a morning person either. I had to literally MAKE myself get up in the morning to exercise. I found that once the oxygen gets flowing, I do just fine. I also find I have more energy for the day. Weird, I know!

Maybe sleep in your workout clothes and roll out of bed at 6 instead of 6:30? 30 minutes is all it takes!

[Dagny18]

Originally Posted by winningloser

I know what you mean. I used to not be a morning person either. I had to literally MAKE myself get up in the morning to exercise. I found that once the oxygen gets flowing, I do just fine. I also find I have more energy for the day. Weird, I know!

Maybe sleep in your workout clothes and roll out of bed at 6 instead of 6:30? 30 minutes is all it takes!

This is like...fall asleep in the shower sleepy though! I even started going to bed EARLY so to wake up at 6 I'd have to wake up earlier? ugh...