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

I think it's good advice to approach this as exercise.

There's lots of medical information online about returning to exercise when overweight that's worth a look. Don't be embarrassed to Stop if you experience chest, jaw pain, dizziness or severe breathlessness It's never worth jeopardizing your health!

I love how enthusiastic you are and you like cleaning so I'm sure you'll be great.

Congratulations on the job! Really hope you enjoy it 😍

I don’t have any other constructive advice that hasn’t already been said but congratulations on the new job and best of luck!

Thanks so much everyone 😀 I start on Monday so I'm the mean time ( 3 whole days haha) I'll do some vigorous cleaning of my own house and running Up and down the stairs (won't do too much on Sunday though)

Congratulations on the job! Sounds like you'll smash it. My only advice is that you are likely to get sweaty. So if that would bother you then wear a tshirt that won't show it, or maybe even a sweat -wicking top that you might use for exercise? And YES to whoever said comfy bra. Essential!

Interesting, why Epsom salts?

Well done for getting the job that's taken some guts and demonstrates your wanting to do this and as you go on you'll get fitter and you'll improve physically and mentally

You've totally done the right thing and it's great your motivated to do it

Yes to all the brilliant advice above, also pace yourself, do what you can manage in the time that you've got. Well done & good luck!

love this thread, I have nothing to add to the great advice given by others, but just wanted to wish you luck, you sound so excited, and have a great attitude x

Get yourself a FitBit if you don't have one as you'll be able to see how much of a workout you're doing and track improvements in heart rate etc. Just don't eat back your exercise calories!

Well done. Honestly, that's such a positive step.

You'll get through the first couple of weeks and it'll be hard and you'll be tired, but you'll get into better shape so quickly and it'll get easier. And then the weight will drop off you.

Water, healthy energy like bananas if you need a pick me up, comfortable clothes and shoes

Good luck 👍

Congratulations! Crack on and put music on. Pay no mind to anyone who cares about you being red or sweaty. Well done! X

Thank you, you do so make me sound wonderful though. I'm currently absolutely terrified about getting out there however I know it will be so good for me, and add well needed money into the family pot. Just wish I could fast forward a week so the nerves would be over with!

alwayscheery helps with muscle aches and pains. Worth a quick google.

Just to add ... it's not always just your weight

I have a bmi of 27 and I started a job as a dinner lady, bending down cleaning school tables and dishes etc and my god for the first few weeks I was in agony

Every night I'd get into bed feeling battered

It goes away after a few weeks but just need to get on with it and ignore it the best you can

Good luck

You'll be amazing. You had the drive to apply and get the job, now you're so committed to doing it, I'm 1000% sure you will. Believe in yourself and others will too x

let us know how it goes!

Thanks so much everyone for your kind words

Painkillers before your shift, take some water and maybe a snack for an energy boost if you need it.

Nerves are normal before starting a new job, especially when you're returning after being a SAHM.
It's massively rewarding to push yourself out of your comfort zone and your confidence will build in no time- I wish you all the best and would love to hear how it goes! x

Yes yes yes to a fit bit or if you always carry your phone, track your steps on your phone (accupedo is quite good). Then in the evening when you're knackered you'll be able to look at your step count and see how much exercise you're doing and appreciate what a great thing this is for your body! Good luck

I think you are selling yourself short, you will be more than able. Pace yourself and drink plenty of water. Best of luck and let us know how you go.

I was a self employed cleaner for a few years. When I hurt my back I found leaning over baths to clean inside and tiled walls difficult, so I would spray all surfaces and use a micro fibre mop. This might be helpful for you.

Good luck

I just wanted to add that you may find that the 1st couple of cleans might take you longer until you get yourself into a routine so don't feel disheartened if you find yourself running short on time.

That’s a great idea. I have a ruck sack that packs down, and it would be brilliant because it’s so thin! When it was really hot we froze bottles of water that I stuck in old socks (to stop them getting wet with condensation) and took them to bed with us. Worked really well and helped keep us cool.

I have a friend who swears by cold baths after exercise. (Think I’d rather put up with the muscle soreness, myself!) Glass of wine, hot bath, gentle stretches and ibuprofen if needed! Make sure you have something easy in for dinner, and something quiet for DD to occupy herself with while you adjust to a new routine. Your enthusiasm shines through, I’m sure you’ll have it down pat in no time.

Chubby cleaner here, it took me four weeks to adjust to physical work. Take a drink of water, on hot days take a face cloth to wipe the sweat off your face, comfortable shoes, pace yourself, you will get quicker the more you do it. Early nights and painkillers, I had knee and back pain for a while then it disappeared.