I need advice from heavier women in retail

Today, I started a retail job; the first retail job since having my baby.  I am  about 40 pounds heavier and after my first day, I am very achey; my back and shoulders hurt and my feet are swollen as if i were pregnnat!

Does anyone, (especially heavier women in retail or women in general that have this problem) have any suggestions on how to help ease into the 48 hour workweek? 

Any speceficstretches, advice on what snacks to bring to keep energy high, what kind of shoes to wear, any kind of insoles you reccommend?  Anything would be helpful. 

Thanks everyone!

I found that when I waitressed (on my feet without sitting down or even stopping) that it took a week or so, but I got used to it.  Also, really comfortable shoes were crucial, nothing fashionable, that's for sure.  That's probably harder for you, I just had to wear black shoes, I actually bought men's.  I weighed about 250 then, so very overweight.

For you feet, I'd recommend some birkenstocks or something similar if you can get away with it -- I used to work 12 hour shifts on cement floors and those saved my life!

For your back, maybe work on your core? Try crunches for your abs and supermans (where you lay on your stomach and raise your arms and feet) for your back.

Hi I am a waitress right now and yes comfy shoes are a must also walking around will help much more then standing still I had twin girls 14 months ago and also went back to work and just thought I would never make it through my shift trust me it will get easier good luck depending on your style I would recommend anything thats dressy but made like tennis shoes also try those gel insoles by doctor schoals

also if possible prop your feet up during a break ang do some easy leg stretches before work

took me a good 3 weeks to adjust to being on my feet like that... but it will get better!  if there's a lounge where you can put your feet up on breaks.... 

if you are having serious swelling, like at the ankles and in the fingers, it can be a sign of heart disease or other problems (don't mean to scare you!!!) and the doctor may prescribe a diuretic...  especially like during the week b4 totm... 

good luck @ your new job :)

It's been a few years since I worked in retail, but I remember the aching back, legs, and feet well.  I finally had it with all the discomfort one day and invested in a pair of Dansko shoes.  They're the kind you see nurses wear.  Best shoes I've ever had in my life.  They made those long days on my feet much, much more comfortable with no back pain at night.  Their styles are getting much better now too, so they're worth checking out.

I used to work 60-80 hours a week on cement floors and I found the brand "Keen" to be amazing for my feet. They have very good arch support (which I need), and are the only shoe that I have found that I could wear all day every day on any surface and no. They cost from $60-$100/ pair and are worth more than that.

When I had to be on my feet all day, I got some Dr. Scholl's Work Insoles for my shoes. They now make styles that will work in most dress shoes.

This is all very good advice.  As someone that has worked in retail FOREVER (with a slipped disk), I can tell you that it will subside.  I've found these things to help:

• Take a couple of Aleve before you head out for the day.
• Get on (or stay on) a regular cardio routine.  The increased blood flow really helps.
• Every morning, do a quick Sun Salutation it only takes a few minutes but it does wonders for alignment and helps you maintain good posture throughout the day.
• Rest at every opportunity.  If you are really hurting when you get home and have time to do so, get comfy and put your feet up.  Sometimes just a couple of minutes of relaxation helps.
• Get yourself a rice pack.  The moist heat helps to soothe sore muscles.

Good luck and congrats on the new job!

I no longer work on my feet but I remember the achey back when I worked as a nurse assistant(weighing over 250). Swimming beats anything I've tried for all kinds of aches and pains. Then hit the hot tub if you can. Good luck!