How to mix streght training and heavy labour?

[Jimbo]

I just started a new job and its delivering furniture. I work 4 days a week and average of 12 hours a day. I love the job but it has greatly effected my numbers in the gym. Tried dl yesterday and my lift was down 70 lbs.
Its not that im tired its that my lower back it not recoverd.

Should I just hold back on the gym for a while and treat work as a work out? and just try training on days off until im more use to work?

Here is a funny example of my last delivery. King size bed, heavest bed we got. Hike it on my shoulders. Carry it down 4 flights of stares (it was a cottage) Have to squat it down cause of over hangs.
That was a work out of its own.... Basically did farmers walk and good morning..

Any input from you guys???

 

[Steve123]

Last year I helped my father build a house when I was unemployed. We framed and roofed it. If you know about the work, it's hard laborous work. I still trained but with much, much, much less volume. I also ate more calories and up'd my carb intake. Finally, I listened to my body. FOr example, on the days when I was lumping 2x10's all over the job site and building walls, I didn't do anything at the gym that would throw a direct hit at my lower back. If I did, I just took it easy.

Once you get used to it, you'll be able to hit things harder but, if you're like me, it could take several weeks. I'm 41 years old though so maybe it took me a little longer than it would take you.

 

[BOOMSHAKER]

Jimbo, stev123 makes some good points. Also, do not let up on the gym. You need some gym time in order to make sure you stay strong for your job. If your back and legs are not strong in the gym, then they may go out from under one day when lifting furniture over your head. Or going up a flight of steps. So dont let up on the gym. You dont have to go heavy in the gym. But some good strength training will help you out loads on your job. Good luck brother.

 

[Shark22]

Moving is a strength workout on lt's own....you need at least a days rest in btw.

 

[warriordogx]

I just started a demo job and it's killing me in the gym.
I take days off and I eat more carbs.

 

[bigboy05]

I'll be the red headed stepchild here and say hold off on the gym for now.
At one point a few years ago I just started my own flooring business and started building my house all in about the same month. I was beat to shit daily. I would finish at work or on the house project, go to the gym and try to get in a workout then come home and pass out on the sofa. Sometimes it's just to much. I think sometimes we forget that bodybuilding/lifting is a hobby (unless you are a pro, of course) and life does exist outside of the gym, hell, sometimes it even gets in the way. I had to prioritize my life so I put the gym on the back burner which turned out to be a good thing. Focused on work and family and when I started back lifting again I had a new passion for it, like starting all over.

 

[Jimbo]

I've had to take some drastic actions. Work is gettin heavier and heavier and my days are getting longer and longer. decided to stop going to the gym. Went to my local fitness store and purchased a bunch of kettlebells. I've never had to much fun training!!!!!!!!!!

Doind just alot of basic exercises like TGU, Snatches, Swings.

Noticed im feelin better to. Im gonna go in a few months and see if I can hit some PR's in the gym.

Moving and lifting was just way to much for me.

 

[forklift28]

I know what you mean..it would be awesome to have a desk job right.For me it took at least2 months before I was worth a shit in the gym..I would just basically train to maintain.Important thing to do is eat alot..and not at one time..frequent small meals..and your buddies will probably fuck with you for eating so much..I know mine did.I carried a cooler with me and ate healthy meals while they ate mcdonalds,..felt like an idiot but I looked hell alot better than them and worked a lot harder too.Eventually one of them might do the same as you.

 

[marilyn]

yes

Moving is a strength workout on lt's own....you need at least a days rest in btw.

I agree with this quote.....however you need to rest those muscles to recover and so your actual workouts are as effective as they need to be.

Man, that is a workout though...funiture, stairs?? Im tired reading this

 

[ragehorse]

your body will adapt to pretty much what ever circumstance you put it in.

the more you baby your body the longer it will take to adapt, take advantage of the added gpp, your recovery ability will probably go through the roof if you stick with it long enough.

just make sure you have the diet to support what your doing, and try and do your best with sleep/staying away from what ever wont help you with your goals that isnt necessary.

 

[kingpeon]

I just started a new job and its delivering furniture. I work 4 days a week and average of 12 hours a day. I love the job but it has greatly effected my numbers in the gym. Tried dl yesterday and my lift was down 70 lbs.
Its not that im tired its that my lower back it not recoverd.

Should I just hold back on the gym for a while and treat work as a work out? and just try training on days off until im more use to work?

Any input from you guys???

I'd consider taking Ultra-40 at about 30 or more tabs a day. You may be pleasantly surprised at your increased recovery ability and endurance after a few weeks. I would also keep lifting and adjust the weight used to conform to your job and whatever energy you have left over from it.

 

[scraper009]

When I was doing heavy labor, I switched my dynamic days or lighter volume workouts to weekdays. All of my heavy training was Saturday and Sunday when I was able to have some control over my rest and recovery.

Carb intake definitely needs to be increased, eventually you will adapt and it become routine.

 

[beans]

do you work out before or after work? If you work out afterwards why not try before you go in? I throw 60-100lb boxes 8-10hrs a day. When I would work out after work I couldn't put up that much weight. Now I workout in the morning and my lifts are progressing quite well.

 

[gonoles]

I would suggest go to the gym first thing in the morning. You might not be the strongest because not enough calories consumed, but you wont be exhausted to a point where it aint enjoyable.

 

[powerlifterforlife]

just lighten your training load but dont quit just eat more