To ask for tips. Fatty and starting cleaning job

[mschubbs]

I've been out of work since my daughter was born and she's now 6. In that time I've put a lot of weight on and have suffered from depression and anxiety. I've bitten the bullet and even though I was really nervous I applied for a cleaning job. It's a block of flats and 4 mornings a week.

Now my issue. I have a bmi of 41
I get out of breath doing housework in my own house but I like cleaning and's I think I'd do a good job.

Are there any tips to help me get through the initial couple of weeks where I'm going to find it physically hard work? I'm on a weight loss programme now and aim to lose it steadily so it will improve but I just worry a bit about the first few days

It'll make you fitter pretty quickly. Good luck!

Invest in a massage gun - doesn't have to be a Thera gun (although they're amazing)

Wear a heat patch and make sure you have cold gel at home

Comfortable shoes you can slip on and off.

Take a litre of water with you

Hot bath to relax each night plus stretches

Those would be my tips to stay as comfortable as you can until you lose more weight

Thank you 😀 I think it will do wonders for my mental and physical health and I can't wait to feel useful 😂

Shorts and vest. Hair tied back. See it as exercising. I think you'll get fit really quickly.

Thank you :) there's no chance of me wearing shorts! Leggings and a baggy t shirt are what I'll be in. But definitely will hand my hair up.

I think physically it will be tough but it'll be fine. I think I'm more concerned about the other cleaners seeing how Un fit/red/BreathlessI am

I really love this thread. Your enthusiasm shines through and I think you'll be fine.

I'm a chubby one too and can chafe in places or get a sweat rash at times. Hopefully your bra is comfy and if you're wearing leggings chafing won't be a worry.

I think it will help you lose weight - it's so active! Good luck in your new venture!

Tell me about the heat patch please!

Wear layers you can take off as you get hotter! Take water and food - cleaning can be very physical so fuel up. Things like bananas, protein bars, fruit and nuts, overnight oats. Decent supportive bra and comfortable shoes. Painkillers/ibuprofen gel. Some tunes or an audiobook to keep you going if it gets boring.

Make sure you have some disposable gloves and rubbish bags with you in case of any real nasty things encountered!!!!

Good luck, I'm sure you will smash it!!!

I know this sounds stupid but in this heatwave I wear a light rucksack with freezer blocks in it.

Congratulations on your new job.

I'm a self employed cleaner and to be frank, you are going to find it tough. Do you exercise at all?
I'd advise pacing yourself so you can get through the week and as already mentioned, wear very light clothes, I wear sports gear and a vest as its very physical.

Be prepared to work at a slower pace than you'd like and don't push yourself too hard, you want to avoid making yourself unwell or injured.
Make sure you're lifting and moving heavy items correctly to protect your back.

I think you'll have to aim for a "good enough" standard at first and gradually improve.

Assess what needs to be done and divide your time between each task, keeping an eye on time so you don't run hideously over time.

I think cleaning's a great job, I find it very therapeutic and it keeps me very fit.

There's quite a shortage of domestic cleaners where I am so it's worth considering setting up on your own once you get into it and lose some weight.

Set up costs are minimal ; advertise locally armed with a good reference. I charge £15 an hour.

Good luck, no point worrying. You can always change direction and consider other work if it's not for you. It's daunting returning to work isn't it so great that you're getting out there

Wear a Buff round your head to soak up the sweat from your forehead. Much more comfortable than mopping your face.

Good luck mate, as others have suggested pace yourself and drink plenty so you don't feel as hot.

I have now decided I am no longer going to even try to lose weight, with the increase in fuel bills I am going to make the best use of the fat I have laid down for winter (it's been a year round dedication)

Epsom salts in a foot bath/full bath afterwards!

Well done, I hope you get on well!

Home bargains has big bags of Epsom salts cheap

I'm so pleased for you ok. Use a good deodorant and wear cotton clothes. You'll smash it.

Good luck OP and congratulations on your job! Nothing useful to add beyond I’m sure you’ll do an excellent job and good luck with the weight loss programme and new job. You sound super focused! Pace yourself if you can, and maybe try to up your exercise at home (walking, he exercise videos?) beforehand in prep?

When are you starting? I would hoghly reccomend start doing some short but getting you out of breath exercises now. It will help to get you to prepare a bot for yhe physical part and it won6 be THAT big shock.
Spurce experience

This is so good and would never, ever have occurred to me!

Congratulations on your new job! You're doing a great thing for yourself.

Think of it as exercising all day! Second to wearing a buff round your hairline to keep stray hair and sweat off your face, and I would put bodyglide or Vaseline in the places you might get a little chafe or rub (knicker line for me).

Good luck. My advice would be that to make the most of it as a fitness boost don't allow yourself to eat the calories you've burned. Almost always we over estimate what we have burned and actually end up gaining.
Good luck with the new job !

Fab thread full of great advice. Good luck with the new job, OP — you’ll be as fit as a fiddle in no time x

Headphones and a fast paced music list to listen to. (Keeps me moving when doing night shift cleaning or a builders clean. )
comfy, toe enclosed shoes and fluids.

If you enjoy it, it will get you through the first week and then it’ll become a lot more manageable as you will get into a rhythm of how to be efficient. Ace it!!

I don't think you'll need food (as per pp). Anyone should be able to go 4 hours without eating.

I'd make sure my trainers are really comfy and maybe invest in one of those neck fans if it's still very hot. Wear light cotton clothes that you are happy to throw in the wash every day.