Balancing the Weight: Surviving 9 to 5

Ah, the joys of adulting—where your alarm clock is your mortal enemy, and “free time” is just a distant memory. Picture this: you’re a fresh graduate, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and ready to conquer the corporate world. Then reality hits—a 9-to-5 job with an office two hours away from home. Yep, that’s four hours a day just staring into traffic or getting cozy with strangers on public transport. Fun, right?

At first, I was determined. I had a rock-solid weight training schedule back in college, and I swore I’d keep the gains alive. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. The first few weeks were brutal. I’d leave home when it was dark, come back when it was darker, and the gym? It became a mythical place I only saw on Instagram.

The Weight of Losing Routine

The biggest challenge? Energy—or the lack thereof. By the time I got home, all I wanted was my bed and maybe some pity snacks. My motivation was MIA, and my gym membership was basically a donation.

Lifting the Weight of Excuses

But here’s where the plot thickens. I realized it wasn’t about finding more time—it was about making time. So, I got creative:

1. Morning Micro Workouts: Instead of hitting snooze five times, I’d do quick 15-minute exercises at home. Push-ups, squats, and a plank that felt like an eternity. Not glamorous, but effective for managing my weight.
2. Active Commutes: If I couldn’t hit the gym, I turned my commute into a mini workout. I’d get off a stop earlier and walk the extra distance. Bonus: it helped manage my weight and saved me from the dreaded rush-hour squeeze.
3. Weekend Warrior Mode: Saturdays became my “make-up” gym days. I’d lift like I was avenging my missed weekday sessions. Plus, it felt good to crush it without the weekday stress looming over my weight goals.
4. Deskercise (Yes, it’s a thing): Stretching, calf raises, or even seated leg lifts while pretending to ponder deeply at my desk. Sneaky fitness for the win—and yes, every little bit helps maintain your weight.

Balancing the Weight of Expectations

Eventually, I found a rhythm. No, I wasn’t hitting PRs like I did in college, but I felt healthier, less stressed, and—bonus—I didn’t feel like a complete gym dropout.

The moral of the story? Work-life balance is a myth if you think it means “equal time for everything.” It’s more like juggling flaming swords—sometimes you drop one, but you keep going. And that’s okay. The key is to adjust, adapt, and find what works for you.

Because at the end of the day, whether it’s a quick home workout or a weekend gym marathon, moving a little is always better than not moving at all. Keeping your weight in check isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Embracing the Weight of Progress

Looking back, I’ve realized that maintaining my health wasn’t just about the workouts—it was about shifting my mindset. Instead of feeling guilty for missing a session, I celebrated small wins: walking more steps, choosing healthier snacks, or even just stretching after a long day. It’s these little habits that stacked up over time, creating a routine I could sustain. Sure, some days were tougher than others, but progress isn’t linear—and that’s okay. The key is to stay consistent, forgive the occasional slip-ups, and remember that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to your overall well-being. So, if you’re struggling, just start somewhere—your future self will thank you.

 

Related Links:

• How to Improve Time Management Skills
• Tips for Staying Healthy with a Busy Schedule
• CDC’s Guide to Physical Activity