Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Small gains

My workout yesterday was again time crunched. I just can't seem to make myself get up early enough to have a relaxing time at the gym on the days I work. I did manage to do a 10 minute run on the treadmill to warm up before doing almost my full compliment of strength exercises. I did do a full 20 minute H.I.I.T. session on the elliptical machine, and I still think that these are keeping me from backsliding all by themselves.

I am noticing with the H.I.I.T. sessions that I'm having to up the resistance on the "go so hard your heart feels like it's going to explode" intervals, and that I recover faster on the "try not to feel like everyone is wondering why someone going so slow is sweating so hard" intervals.

The numbers on the scale continue to say that it's working. Although I've run into the "I don't feel like I'm loosing weight" problem again. Part of the problem is the new Jeans. See, the new Jeans are smaller, and therefore fit more appropriately. However, having gotten used to wearing Jeans that were two sizes too big, the new Jeans feel tight and make me panic about gaining weight.

Stress from work is continuing to be a factor, to the point where I did the most embarrassing thing and broke down and cried last night. Not much, but enough that a coworker noticed and that's bad enough.

I've also come to the conclusion that, stress or not, working the night shift is slowly damaging my health. I'm just not built for it. I end up not getting enough sleep, not getting enough exercise, not getting out enough, and eating like crap. One day this will no longer be an issue, in the meantime I'm trying to find ways to compensate, like multivitamins and Vitamin D Supplements.

Any suggestions on how to deal with the Night Shift?
-Meg

2 comments:

Penny said...

I can't be any help I'm afraid, I was a WRECK when I worked nights!

You've obviously had such a good shot at this and it's still not really working for you - is there any way at all you could change your hours? It might mean a big life change or job change, but if your peace of mind would improve then maybe it would be worth considering, or exploring the option?

I'm so pleased the HIIT is working for you, you're doing so well! Your fitness sounds like it's seriously ramping up :0) And I know what you mean about the jeans. I was so happy when I slimmed back down into my skinny jeans earlier this year, but I still end up wearing my two-sizes-too-big jeans some days because I get irrationally scared that I will have expanded somehow in the night and if I dare to put on my new jeans they won't fit anymore!! Ridiculous.

TA x

carla said...

Im no night shift help either but have a friend who is a night nurse and shall pick her brain.

Ill be back if I get some tips!

Tracking Transformation: Where I stand now