So, three years into remote work triggered by the pandemic. I've easily adjusted to the new normal & found a way to be as productive as I was in an office environment. I visit my colleagues IRL once every few months. But the one thing I cannot reconcile is keeping fit. I end up being sat or stood in a fairly static fashion for 6-8 hours per day on video calls. Pre-remote I was averaging around 9k steps per day, since remote that's dropped to < 4k. Going out for walks in the dark & rain at the end of the work day is not particularly fun. It's beginning to affect my health. Is anybody else having this? I've been contemplating a walking desk - any other suggestions? Space is limited.
Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
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Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#2> any other suggestions?
You should train hard at least for 1 hour, at least 3x/week. Find a sport that you like and that trains the whole body (swimming, kickboxing, weight lifting etc). I've done all 3 in different periods and currently do weight-lifting (might resume kickoxing too).
Walking and counting steps is not training, is kinda like crawling or barely surviving. You should talk about walking & steps only when you're 80 or something.
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#3You need to ring-fence a lunch break. I go running during my lunch breaks (1 hour split into ~40min running, ~20min shower and recovery), something I didn't do when I worked in an office full time and as a result I am fitter since WFH.
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#4> any other suggestions? You should train hard at least for 1 hour, at least 3x/week. Find a sport that you like and that trains the whole body (swimming, kickboxing, weight lifting etc). I've done all 3 in different periods and currently do weight-lifting (might resume kickoxing too). Walking and counting steps is not training, is kinda like crawling or barely surviving. You should talk about walking & steps only wh…
x3 hours a week + travel time is infeasible given other commitments. I have approx 50 mins per day available.
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#5You need to ring-fence a lunch break. I go running during my lunch breaks (1 hour split into ~40min running, ~20min shower and recovery), something I didn't do when I worked in an office full time and as a result I am fitter since WFH.
Agreed. I would do a two mile walk in 30 mins without fail (a little aged for running - but no need for a shower!)
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#6> any other suggestions? You should train hard at least for 1 hour, at least 3x/week. Find a sport that you like and that trains the whole body (swimming, kickboxing, weight lifting etc). I've done all 3 in different periods and currently do weight-lifting (might resume kickoxing too). Walking and counting steps is not training, is kinda like crawling or barely surviving. You should talk about walking & steps only wh…
x3 hours a week + travel time is infeasible given other commitments. I have approx 50 mins per day available.
Come on man, you can't have such a busy life. You have to cut somewhere for your own sanity.
What about weekend? Use Saturday & Sunday and Wednesday?
> I have approx 50 mins per day available.
Build a minimal home gym and train hard? It's important to train hard for 1 hour or more, not just do 10K steps.
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#7I’d dearly love to know what job you do that has you in 6-8 hours of video calls a day! That seems beyond extreme!
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#8I’d dearly love to know what job you do that has you in 6-8 hours of video calls a day! That seems beyond extreme!
Product management & as a general practice we tend to pair or mob for 60-80% of the day.
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#9Make time at least 3 days a week to go to a fitness facility. Whether walking, running, swimming, lifting, yoga, etc
Put this in your calendar and schedule everything else around it. It feels good to give your body the priority it deserves, and the endorphins give you a lift for the rest of your day.
Re: Ask HN: Stay fit as a time-poor remote worker
#10I am in the same situation. It has caused me such deterioration in mind and body that my relationship has been affected, and we are in counseling now.
As a remote worker, I have decided to give up on walking - it takes up so much time that I conclude that is suitable exercise for rich people only. Furthermore, three months of the year here it is too hot to walk; six months, it is dark by the time I am freed enough from work to go walking; and trying to get a worthwhile walk in before work is too time-consuming and potentially sleep-depriving.
Therefore I have decided to go to our local gym, less than ten minutes' walk from where I live and work, 2-3 times a week, and to commit to hiring a trainer, because I will either achieve nothing alone or else I will injure myself.
It creeps up on you, the extent to which this isolated working life can run your body and mind down into the ground, until, as in my case, it even threatens the things you hold dearest.