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By: Amanda Shay
Work vs Lifting
I'm not much of a writer but here goes... First, I don't want to act like I know what's best for you to manage life, a crazy work schedule, and the high physical demands of competing in powerlifting. Because, well... I don't. I do not know what will work for YOU. I just know what works for ME. If this helps you (which of course I hope it does) fuck yea! If not, maybe you can at least get motivated reading this.
At first, it was going to be more about how I manage my time. But then I realized its easy. You just have to have priorities and goals.
My goal when I started was to out deadlift Kim Walford. That's still my goal. It started small. First to break 200 lbs then 300 lbs, then 400 lbs and now out of prossess of elimination...500 lbs at a body weight of 125 lbs.
I've always had a full time job. No one pays for me to compete. I do.
At first, it was going to be more about how I manage my time. But then I realized its easy. You just have to have priorities and goals.
My goal when I started was to out deadlift Kim Walford. That's still my goal. It started small. First to break 200 lbs then 300 lbs, then 400 lbs and now out of prossess of elimination...500 lbs at a body weight of 125 lbs.
I've always had a full time job. No one pays for me to compete. I do.
I am a registered nurse and I work 12-hour shifts. No days/nights are the same, it's hard to plan ahead because even though I work 7A-7p or 7p-7A, I rotate nights/days every couple weeks. I don't always get the time off that I ask for. Sometimes, I work 3 in a row or every other day. (If you think 3 days a week on a nursing unit would be easy, then do it...until then -stfu.) I get tired. I drink massive amounts of caffeine and still want to fall asleep driving home. It's hard to find time to get motivated when working all day. I get very little time to eat lunch some days or even no time at all. I drink less at work so hydration is an issue (hospitals don't allow you to have water at a desk or on you because of sanitation so it's in our break room...and who remembers to run and get a sip of water all the time).
I'm sure as you read that, you can also realize that all of those are just excuses. I only write them down because if you are a nurse or have worked any job ever, you have had similar problems. I want you to realize that if you nod along with any of those issues and think that's why its hard to get in the gym -then that's why you aren't getting better. The reason I have been able to make huge progress in the few short years of lifting, is because I set my goals and priorities. I follow through with them. I do not let the outside adversity ruin that for me. I plan, I time manage, and I work. On off days- I meal prep. I lift. But thats it's. Simple right? Because why complicate it...
On work days -I make sure that I stretch/roll out at home before and after shifts. I try to stay hydrated as much as possible by setting alerts, or making sure at the top of the hour I drink 250-500 ml. (I always believe that you can't take care of others if you can't take care of yourself) I pack easy snacks and shakes because think of your body as a machine. You wouldn't put garbage in your car's gas tank and expect it to run, why do it to yourself? Snackable high protein food is easy to eat-and-go if need be.
Sometimes, you don't have time to heat food up so pack cold. Here are some of my favorite meals:
Sometimes, you don't have time to heat food up so pack cold. Here are some of my favorite meals:
- Greek style chicken and olives.
- Chicken/steak and mixed greens
- Egg/tuna/chicken salad with Ezekiel bread
- Raw fruit and vegetables
You want to be great or you want change, then DO IT. No one is stopping you from greatness but yourself. Your job isn't holding you back from life. You are. Night shift. It sucks but it's manageable. I eat during the night (light meals) high in protein so that I don't retain excessive water. But everything stays the same. Best investment- black out curtains! Literally a life changer.
With these little things, I dropped almost 20 lbs in a few months weighing in at 122 lbs and deadlifted a PR of over 430 lbs. All I did was stick to the plan.
There are plenty of answers to all the road blocks you will come across. You just have to prepare and ask questions! There are so many resources out there!!! Plan for success and you will be successful. If you don't plan, don't bitch when you fail.
With these little things, I dropped almost 20 lbs in a few months weighing in at 122 lbs and deadlifted a PR of over 430 lbs. All I did was stick to the plan.
There are plenty of answers to all the road blocks you will come across. You just have to prepare and ask questions! There are so many resources out there!!! Plan for success and you will be successful. If you don't plan, don't bitch when you fail.
