Physical Labor Job is it a workout?

I have been working out for about 8 mths now and have lost the weight i wanted and am maintaining nicely. I run a Woodworking Shop and am sanding, refinishing , carrying HEAVY cabinetry and wood all day long, probab about 4-5 hours of the heavy stuff in a 8-10hr day? I used to not have to do this labor so i had more time to focus on working out and lifting weights, but now i wont have time to focus so much on the working out , instead just working due to employee reduction. My question is does this labor count as working out ? I normally do 6day morning cardio for 60min /4day weights 60min, but am prob going to have to cut back due to my increase workload. will i lose my current fitness level or will my increased workload sort of compensate? I was thinking i was going to cut back to 3 days HIIT cardio and same weight routine . will this be the same? My job is labor intensive and leaves me feeling exahusted at the end of the day not to mention its crack of dawn till dark hours. I want to keep exercising but I am so tired, any ideas on how to maintain my figure would be appreciated!!!

Sun. Feb 24, 1:28pm

p.s. I am 5'5 24yr female 112lbs with a cal intake of about 1800-2000 per day
just so you know my stats

Sunday, February 24, 2008, 1:32 PM

I would say that you are getting quite the weight workout your used to if not more with the sanding, refinishing and lifting/carrying with this job. If you are exhausted at the end of the day then your working hard. Your job is labor intensive the only thing you might want to consider is maybe going for a jog in the am. Even though its really early you will still get some cardio in and it will be good for you the rest of the day. I don't think you will have an issue with maintaining your shape. If anything you might tone it up more then you think. I have refinished several antique pieces of furniture and it is hard work, by the time the sand is done my arms are so sore, more so then lifting weights. I think you'll be fine.

Sunday, February 24, 2008, 2:31 PM

The concept of exercise and going to the gym arose from the change in our work habits, from field to office. Since you do a very labor-intensive job, you don't need to work out unless you're training for a particular sport. Leave that to the cubedwellers and enjoy the extra free time!

Sunday, February 24, 2008, 4:21 PM

Good input here!

Keep it up PEERtrainer members!

Sunday, February 24, 2008, 4:48 PM

great advice!! thanks!! Woodworking is tough but i guess i just dont realize it because it is somewhat anaerobic at times and your definatley not thinking hey i am getting a workout here. Before I started in the woodworking biz i was somewhat flabby but not overweight and i was suprised how it did whip me in to shape, people would tell me wow you look 40lbs lighter (super exaggerted i thought) and i remember thinking how DID this happen ,i eat the same and dont workout ? sometimes i would think something was wrong with me !! But little did I know my eating habits were all wrong ,so yeah i was more tone and a good 15 lbs lighter but as soon as i stopped the labor and hired people to do the work BOOM !15-20lbs heavier!! Then I had to figure all this weight loss stuff out. you know how it is not wanting to be that flabby do nothing person again, that is why i am so worried. I guess when you reach that point that you would like to stay you never want to go back and you sort of feel as though you never can get enough workouts in or the fat will come back if you cut back !! I think i am going to try to still do my am cardio during the work week but i prob can only manage maybe 30 min or so or i will be pushing 4am wake up time which is way to early and do my weights in the evenings if i feel like it maybe like a 30 min circuit twice during the week and an hour on the weekends. Has anyone ever cut back like this after reaching their goals, if so how much did you cut back and how did it affect you?

Sunday, February 24, 2008, 5:53 PM

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