Just wondering if anyone here manages to work an 8-5 desk job and has a good physique. Basically, is it easy to “live the life”? I’m asking because I’m leaving the simple life of college and joining the 8-5 crowd at the end of May and am wondering what to expect.
Strangely, I’m actually expecting to have MORE free time than I do now. I’m going to be sure to go on walks or something at lunch because I have not had to sit for that long in my life yet.
gonna be sure to pack food and keep water at my desk to keep in line for my goals.
I have no problem finding time to lift or eat as many times as I need to a day, except during tax season because I’m an accountant. So, for a few months a year I have trouble getting to the gym more than twice a week. Even then, I find I can still maintain what I’ve got.
[quote]Damici wrote:
8-5 is child’s play, bud. That’s just getting warmed up.
Sad, but true nowadays.[/quote]
That’s the truth, but it has to stop at some point. It is getting crazy when working 40 hours a week is considered light duty. Frankly, I think anything over 30 hours is pushing it.
Yup, it’s possible, just much more of a pain in the ass because you’re tired all the time (at least during the week). I’m not able to follow a carefully thought-out program all that closely. I try to get to the gym 4 times a week but it usually ends up being 3.
Progress can still be made, but it’s usually just a little improvement on a body part here or there. It’s much slower. Maintenance is no problem, though.
It’s just not ideal like it was in college, where I had enough time to sleep 9 or 10 hours every night and work out 5 or 6 days a week and never miss a workout. Ever.
I miss those days . . . .
[quote]msd0060 wrote:
Damici wrote:
8-5 is child’s play, bud. That’s just getting warmed up.
Sad, but true nowadays.
So…
You’ve maintained good health while sitting 1/3 or more of the day or not?[/quote]
I work 8:30-6, and often work when I get home till late, but I make time to get to the gym and eat properly (when possible) at work.
I’m managing to get to the gym 3-4 times a week, and am making decent progress so I think as long as you plan things ahead (meals, training, work) - you should be ok.
You should be fine as long as you plan ahead. You can either get up early and lift before work, or do it on the way home.
Sometimes I wish I had an 8-5 job. I work split shifts (8-noon; 3-whenever), so I typically have to squeeze in my workouts early in the afternoon before I go back to work again.
I’d make it to much more MMA classes if I were off by 5, that’s for sure.
[quote]Djwlfpack wrote:
You should be fine as long as you plan ahead. You can either get up early and lift before work, or do it on the way home.
Sometimes I wish I had an 8-5 job. I work split shifts (8-noon; 3-whenever), so I typically have to squeeze in my workouts early in the afternoon before I go back to work again.
I’d make it to much more MMA classes if I were off by 5, that’s for sure.[/quote]
I am about to start working full time again and I am not looking forward to “real life”. I have enjoyed working about 30 hours a week up until now.
I’m 8am-8:30pm Mon-Thurs and 9pm-2am Friday and Saturday. If I can find time to do it, ANYONE can.
Meal planning is the biggest deal breaker for me. Minor slips ups end up being catastrophic. Like if I forget my Metabolic Drive Complete shake, I end up eating bar food all night.
What kind of job is it? In certain fields you’re not going to want to miss some lunches and happy hours - at least for a while. Doesn’t mean you have to eat unhealthily or have a thousand beers…
[quote]HoratioSandoval wrote:
What kind of job is it? In certain fields you’re not going to want to miss some lunches and happy hours - at least for a while. Doesn’t mean you have to eat unhealthily or have a thousand beers…[/quote]
But yeah, it’s a small industry based on networking. I’m employed because i knew some good people. (Not saying this is unlike other industries, but just very true in my case). I get what you’re saying. I just came FROM being a fat turd and don’t want to go back. Sitting so much terrifies me, lol.
I’m fortunate to be far enough up the chain to set my own hours, and working in workouts hasn’t proven to be that hard so far. We’ll see how long the ride lasts.
[quote]msd0060 wrote:
Great to hear. How did you adjust to sitting so much?[/quote]
If you’re lucky enough to work and in “health conscious” company you might be able convince your dept head to set you up with a ergonomic standing desk. I have seen many people who have desk that is chest high so they can stand and also a higher chair so they can sit every so often as well.
People who stand claim they are more productive as well.
[quote]msd0060 wrote:
HoratioSandoval wrote:
What kind of job is it? In certain fields you’re not going to want to miss some lunches and happy hours - at least for a while. Doesn’t mean you have to eat unhealthily or have a thousand beers…
But yeah, it’s a small industry based on networking. I’m employed because i knew some good people. (Not saying this is unlike other industries, but just very true in my case). I get what you’re saying. I just came FROM being a fat turd and don’t want to go back. Sitting so much terrifies me, lol.[/quote]
Cool - I’m familiar with its ecological applications. Sitting around all day is great in that you can really crank up the intensity of your workouts. It sucks because you really have to focus on corrective exercises and mobility/stretching. Starting before the pain starts is key!
Wait until you get to your new job and become the office pariah because you don’t take part in the every day cake/cupcake/cookie/candy feedings that take place for birthdays/holidays/hirings/firings/births/deaths/just because it’s Thursday.
