shift work and exercise

[kisobel]

hello all, this is my first post in the WISH area. i work the night shift and i'm about to join a gym (with a buddy- yeah). anyone else work nights and find it difficult to work out after working all night? any suggestions or tips? i've never had an exercise buddy before so ths should be helpful.


kate

 

[hjd0411]

Hi kisobel, to the DIS!!
I do shift work, but not night shift! My shift times vary from day to day, but I try to get out every day, morning or evening for a walk.
When I was a member of a gym I did find it hard to go after work, especially when I had started at 330am, finish at 1130am. But, I did feel better after and was able to sleep, too. I would just say take it easy to start with - don't over do it!! Does the gym have instructors there to help? Have a chat with them, too, because they will have come across others in your same situation.
Most of all, don't give up! I used to find it too easy to say I was too tired. That's where a buddy is good! I walk with my dog and a friend, so I have 2!!!!
Let us know how you get on, and once again, wlecome!

Heather

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Welcome to WISH Kate!

Our group is fantastic and you will love it here.

I worked shifts for 12 years, raised 2 children and tried to be a mom and wife during these times. I found, and it is still the case only it applies to my day shifts now, that if I come home I have a very rough time getting back out to do a workout unless it is only to pick up my work out clothes.

When I did the midnights, I also found that the most important thing to get me through was the couple hours of sleep before I went to work. That was critical. If I got that then I could leave work and jump into a workout before catching that all important "nap" after I got home in the morning.

Come here often to join in the challenges or just post up how you are doing. We'd love to hear how it isgoing. You have a buddy and that is fantastic. It should be easier to commit since someone is there to cheer you on. We will also be here to cheer you too! You can do this.

Good luck with it all. It is not easy, but it is worth it!

 

[maciec]

I work permanent midnight shifts. I am fortunate enough that I can go down to our gym in the middle of the night and workout. However, I did find that when I first started it was easier for me to work out prior to going in. I could never do it after working a 12 hour midnight shift. I did try weight lifting towards the end of my shift, but found the benches a little too comfortable and found myself dozing inbetween reps.

 

[MickeySP]

I am now days but worked mids for years. I still pick the OT at least once a week.

I agree napping before shift is key. I also would save my vitamin, B12 and have a banana about 20 minutes before heading to gym. This seemed to give me the boost & carbs I needed to get through.

You just gotta wrap your head around "having" to go. The buddy thing should be helpful as long as you guys don't talk each other out of going.