Staying In Shape vs. a Busy IT Job Schedule?

tnok85 writes "I started a new job ~7 months ago at a very large company working a 12-hour night shift (7PM-7AM) in a fairly high volume NOC. Our responsibilities extend during the night to basically cover everything but the most complex situations regarding UNIX/Windows/Linux/App administration, at which point we'll reach out to the on-calls. I live 1.5 hours away as well, so it turns into 4-5 15 hour days a week of sitting still — throw in almost an hour to get ready to leave, and a bit of time after I get home to unwind and I'm out of time to work out. Unfortunately I'm pretty sure I have a very slow metabolism, ever since I was a pre-teen I would gain weight fairly quickly if I didn't actively work out, regardless of how much or what I eat. (Barring starving myself, I suppose...) So, how does somebody who works a minimum of 60 hours over 4 days, often adding another 12 another day, and sometimes working 7-10 days straight like this, stay in shape? I can't hold a workout schedule, (which every person I've talked to in my history says is necessary to stay in shape) and I can't 'wake up early' or 'work out before bed' because I need sleep. Any thoughts/opinions/suggestions?"

Comments

Re:Its not rocket surgery...

[cayenne8]

Yeah..the low carb thing and working out has really been working for me. I'm well on my way to my goal of going from 38" waist to 32" waist. I'd ballooned out, and starting in Feb. started pretty strict low carb diet. I put a $1K bet with a friend of mine to reach a goal by July 1...we both did it to put 'teeth' behind the thing and not allow ourselves to backslide.

It has worked...and I'm sticking with it, although will bring back more veggies and fruits and all. I will stay away from highly processed foods, that's not a problem. I like to cook and I've had no problems coming up with fun and good meals.

I've also been working out as regular as possible too...

I've found that through this, and eating smaller meals 5-6 times a day, my voracious appetite has been controlled, and I've been able to pretty easily start watching portion control.

After a mere 4 months or so...it is now pretty easy. I can see the 32" waist in my gunsights before end of summer.

I'm also hoping with my next Dr. visit...my triglyceride count is down, as well as blood pressure.

My advice to the guy who posted this article...do what the first few posts have said. You have to figure some way to change the lifestyle that is obviously NOT working for you and your health.

You are given 24 hours in a day. It is up to YOU to figure how you're gonna spend them to accomplish whatever goals you have in life.

If this job is in the way...well, maybe look for another job with better hours. I hope you are getting PAID for 60 hours if you are working that many. If you are just salary..you are a chump for working that extra 20 hours for free. It is one thing for an occasional long stretch with a deadline or emergency, but, it sounds like they're working you 60+ all the time as a normal part of your job??

I know the economy is bad, but, it ain't that bad and there are other jobs if you are qualified.

It sure isn't worth your health man...