Too EXHAUSTED to work out?

I have an extremely physical job that keeps me moving and on my feet for an 8-9 hour shift almost every day.  I am a cook in a high volume restaurant, which not only has me SWEATING profusely, but also lifting heavy pans of food, upwards of 40 lbs. about 10 times a day. 

I got a pedometer, which told me I am taking about 10,000 steps a day, on very busy days, but even when I am not actually walking, I am still physically exerting myself, so the pedometer hasn't been that helpful to me in tracking activity.  I wouldn't say it is as strenuous as being a construction worker or bike messenger, but it definitely leaves me EXHAUSTED at the end of the day.  Even if I am not physically tired on some days, my feet and knees ache just from being on them all day.

I am having a lot of trouble getting any extra exercise in my day because of this.  I feel that I have been losing (haven't weighed in a while...) but I know I could be working out more... any ideas for workouts on days of total exhaustion??

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It sounds like your job is a workout enough!! Maybe you aren't eating enough to lose because I'm sure you burn off a lot during the day.  I wouldn't push trying to fit in exercise if you are that exhausted because you'll just end up doing damage to your body if you are already sore, maybe try some yoga or pilates?

Yea, I just upped my calories from 1300 to 1500 and settled at 1400 for what feels right for me.  That's a great idea, though... I've tried pilates once before and totally couldn't do it because I was so out of shape, but now that I'm a bit more in shape I should try it again...

Anyone else in a similar situation?

I'm in the same situation. I actually work in a buffet.  I typically carry maybe 80 plates, cups, and trays to the front of the restaurant in excess of 30 lb at a time.  I also about twice a day carry a 50-lb bag of sugar across the restaurant.  Plus, the AC has been broken for a few days so it's been 80 degrees inside and 90 degrees outside, and probably hotter in the back.

I use the standing: light/moderate option of activities.  Type in "work", and click on standing light/moderate.

I also eat about 2200 Calories on those days I work.  My maintenance-level calories on days I don't work is 2100, and on days I work I burn in excess of 3000, so eating 2200 usually works for me.

Going to the gym tomorrow. :-)

i'm going to just suggest that you definitely need more than 1400 calories to be able to workout and lose.  if your job is that exhausting, your body is obviously trying to hold onto as much weight and energy as it can.  basically, you're not taking in enough calories.  i'd definitely suggest upping it by quite a bit.  you might want to calculate your bmr and add on your work activity and see how much you need as a min.

Thanks everyone for your help!  Judging by a few different sites as well as my own calculations I've found that my BMR is around 1600 cals (I'm 22, 5'6 160lbs).  I assumed that my job would be considered exercise 5 times a week, which translates into moderate activity level (averaging out the strenuous days and slow days at work) and that bring my maintenence total to around 2400.  When I aim to lose 2 lbs a week I keep my deficit at 1000 cals, which brought me to 1400.  Do you think I may be burning more than I think? I am also very muscular so I should probably take in a few more calories because of that... What do you think of bumping up to 1650 cals and seeing what happens, does that seem too high or should I add them gradually like up to 1500 for a week and then 1600, etc...

I think yoga and pilate sounds like a great idea to help relax and stretch your muscles. It's also good to help clear your head after a stressful day. Also spending some time in the pool, water aerobics or swimming, might be a good idea for your aching knees. You just feel so much lighter and more flexible in the water.

Good solid advice!

If your job is that physical all day every day, you don't NEED to work out as well... unless you want to do some kind of gentle exercise for relaxation/destressing. You're doing plenty of hard work on the job...

Perhaps you should consider losing weight a bit more slowly? You don't seem to have a massive amount of weight to lose. Why not aim for 1-1.5lbs/week? You wouldn't have to worry too much about whether you are eating enough, and probably have a  bit more energy in the day.

I prefer to aim for a range with a deficit from 300-800 calories.  All of our calorie counting and exercise is a guestimate so that make allowances for them to be over or under without getting me into trouble.