Jobs to Keep You in Shape

Earlier this month, I talked about how working at a gym might be a great job option, since many facilities hire workers to help with the influx of gym-goers attempting to stick to their resolutions for the new year.

But what if you have a resolution to get (or stay) in shape yourself? There are jobs out there where you’re able to stay fit simply due to the nature of your daily tasks – and according to a recent report by Yahoo!, some of these jobs actually pay really well!

So what tops Yahoo!’s list? Nursing! Nurses are on their feet all day in most cases, and through your education, you’ll also learn about healthy eating and exercise. On average, nurses earn over $60,000 per year, which is not shabby considering you can get started in this field with just an associate’s degree.

Other jobs that are fairly high-paying and will help you stay fit include the following:

• Elementary School Teacher: $52,240 per year
• Police Officer: $51,410 per year
• Physical Therapist Assistant: $46,140 per year
• Camera Operator Jobs: $41,670 per year
• Massage Therapist: $39,850 per year
• Chef: $38,770 per year

Are you seeing a trend here – yep, all of these jobs require you to be on your feet all day! Walking is an incredible way to burn calories, even though you might not feel winded or even tired during the day. If your feet hurt after a day of work, chances are you burned a ton of calories.

But what if you don’t have one of the above jobs. Say you work in an office or other position that isn’t exactly active. You don’t necessarily have to become a teacher or any of the other jobs listed above to stay in shape while at work. Here are some pointers you use to burn calories without switching careers:

• Make an effort to get moving as much as possible during the day. Take the stairs, park at the far end of the lot, and every few hours, stand up and stretch.
• Bring your own lunch. Many workers pick up lunch on their company’s campus or at a nearby restaurant, and while this can be a great way to get to know your coworkers, you’ll also double or triple (or more) your caloric intake in most cases. Bring a health lunch from home instead.
• Get into the routine of going to the gym after work every day. If you go home first, chances are that you’ll never make it to the gym. Bring your sweats with you and ask your coworkers if they want to join you. Working out with friends helps keep you accountable.
• Walk to work if you can. Did you know that many people live within a mile or two of their office? Instead of the five-minute drive, plan for a longer commute and walk to work instead, at least when the weather is nice.

What’s your best get-fit tip for the workplace? Share it by leaving a comment below!