Staying fit is important no matter what your job is but it can’t be denied that with certain jobs the task is much more difficult. For example, if you’re an engineer or retail assistant your average day will usually involve plenty of moving about, carrying heavy objects and much more physical activity.
It might not seem like a lot but over a week or month this all adds up and will help you stay fit. Software developers, however, will often spend a lot of time sat staring at a monitor it might be a rewarding career but it’s usually not going to be a very physically intensive one.
This is why staying fit as a software developer can be quite a challenge. Long hours spent working at a computer can be very tiring so even if you plan to go to the gym or workout after work it can be all too easy to cancel those plans after a long day.
But staying fit and healthy will help you in many ways it will make you happier at work and at home. Improve your work performance and give you a confidence boost all at the same time! So, to all, you software developers and programmers out there here are our tips for staying fit and healthy.
Start Small
One mistake everyone is bound to make sooner or later when trying to get in shape and stay healthy is that they will try and do everything at once. While completely cutting carbs, sugary snacks and junk food will help you lose some weight quite quickly it will also not be a long-term solution.
In fact, such a big change to your diet will often leave you feeling tired and weak so you likely won’t be able to exercise as effectively. You also likely won’t be able to sustain it either eventually you’ll give in and go right back to your old ways and likely end up putting on more weight.
These sorts of short-term crash diets, therefore, aren’t recommended. If you want to lose weight and get fit properly and safely then you will need to take things slow. Slowly cut out unhealthy foods over a few weeks or months and make small changes to your diet and fitness. Over time you’ll be able to adjust your lifestyle to ensure better long-term results.
Use Your Dinner Hour Wisely
First of all, make sure you take your dinner hour many software developers and programmers work through their lunches and make do with unhealthy snacks and drinks for the energy boost. But taking the time to get a proper meal will be healthier and your time away from work can also help you get fit as well.
Taking your eyes away from the monitor to focus on something else will create a much better work-life balance and help you stay fit. Try to avoid fast food establishments and opt for something healthier like a salad or healthy sandwich instead.
If you prefer to bring a packed lunch, you should still leave the office for a bit and take the time to stretch your legs as well. It might not seem like it but 20 minutes of steady walking each lunchtime can add up over a week and help you stay fit.
Your Diet Is Important
Exercise alone won’t help you get fit, your diet is equally important. Working as a software developer or programmer can and usually does involve long hours sat at a computer and energy-boosting high sugar and caffeine snacks will soon add up. This is why having a balanced diet is very important.
Swap out the crisp and chocolate for fruit and nuts and try to avoid sugary beverages. Zero sugar replacements can be a great option and while it might take a little while to adjust this new diet will help you stay energised and healthy. The occasional treat is okay but remember, everything in moderation.
Home Workouts Are Just As Good
Speaking of exercise, you should slowly start introducing some into your day to day activities. Again, trying to do too much at once will lead to you quickly burning out so again start slowly. Joining the gym might be tempting and it can be a good option for some people, but it can also backfire.
Paying a monthly fee to join the gym might make you think you’ll go but that isn’t always going to be the case. In fact, many people will just shrug it off after a long day at work and say they’ll go tomorrow and well for many that day never comes.
Instead, you should get into the habit of working out at home at first. There are plenty of cardio exercises you can do without any equipment and even some muscle-building ones. If you like you could also get some basic equipment to add some more creative options to your workout like an exercise ball or some dumbbells.
Once you’ve got into the pattern of working out every couple of days you could then take the next step and join a gym. But don’t feel pressured to if you are staying in shape with your home workouts stick with it and remember to go at your own pace.
wrap up
So, those are my tips for helping software developers, programmers and everyone else who works a more restrictive job to stay in shape. Fitness is something we all struggle with but with a few small changes you can really achieve some great things.