Staying healthy as a webmaster
 

This may sound like a silly topic, but when you think of it, it should be a point of concern for most of us. The lifestyle of the average webmaster consists of sitting behind a computer for at least 10 hours a day, while drinking loads of coffee, soft drinks and beer, and eating fast food and such. A good recipe for death by 50, really.

Now the advice health organizations give about working with computers simply doesn't work. A maximum of 6 hours a day behind a computer and a 15 minute break *away* from the computer every hour is almost impossible for many of us. But what are the alternatives?

What I do myself is try and take a long walk (20-30 minutes) every 3 hours or so. Also, I try to run a few miles several times a week, lift weights about 3 times a week and try to eat as many veggies and fruits as possible. For now, that seems to be working, but I can't help but worry what damage continuous working with computers will have done when I'm, say, 50.

Anyone else got thoughts on how to preserve your health while working as a webmaster?

No- this is a GREAT topic and one to not be taken lightly.
When I stopped eating fast food completely and started eating healthy, and went for an hour worth of walks, did a small situp and pushup routine, I lost 40lbs in 4 weeks.

Of course I then got a job and had money and could afford to be lazy again. Unfortunatly we all need to break that.

How about making a journal site for Adult Webmasters to help us fat bastards lose weight? Would be a kickass community! :)

edit: spelling

I use workpace, a simple program that stops your keyboard and mouse after an tme interval so you MUST take a break:D

That would work for me for about... the first time it went off. Then I would uninstall it.

I found it...

http://www.swoleboard.com/forum/

I don't mind not living past 50 :thumbsup

I kayak twice a week and I try to do these exercise every second day.

http://www.altrec.com/published/padd...koutthatrocks/
http://www.altrec.com/published/padd.../fabpaddleabs/

Before, I was a candy freak. But not anymore and it feels hella good :thumbsup
Now I just have to get in to the habbit of more regular eating. Sucks to eat snacks and then at 11PM I remember that I haven't cooked dinner yet.

That could actually be a really good idea, especially when combined with advice from professionals in the health industry. I'm afraid many of us actually need something like that :1orglaugh

That seems to be more about bodybuilding than about general health. Probably not for everyone :2 cents:

True. I see a light going off in my head. Think I came up with an idea for a new site.

i work out 4 to 5x a week, and shut the world out, working out on average 20 to 25 mins of cardio, 10 mins of sauna, and 45 mins min on weights, machine and free.

I was around 245 lbs and now i'm 184.

It has changed my life in a ton of ways, and anyone who wants a bit of a "lifestyle" guide on how to make a change just email me at justin at focusadult.com and I'll tell you how I did it.

I still get my drink on, but thats about the only thing I do that I would like to change for health reasons.

Anyways,

justin
focusadult
icq 3343102

Yep I smoke far too much !!!! hehehehe :feels-hot

I walk my dog for an hour each evening, and follow up with a 15-20 minute walk. I do light weights a few times a week and pilates every other day. Seems to have really helped. I've been eating less food in general, and have practically removed shit food from my diet altogether (fast food, etc).

Having a pretty good impact. Been doing it for a couple of months. Surprisingly, i haven't lost much weight, but i have slimmed down noticeably. I think it's 'cause i'm building muscle mass as i'm burning the fat. So my weight is staying pretty stable. I've only lost about 3 kg's (about 6 1/2 pounds) since i started.

Luckilly collegiate sports / trainers / conditioning coaches / dieticians have kept me healthy over the years. It's once I graduate next semester that I need to worry!

Just try not to consume too much junk, eat fruits and vegetables, schedule workouts at least 3 times a week and stretch to stay limber!

This is a great topic and judging from conventions and webmaster shows, a few webmasters should focus a little more on staying healthy! :thumbsup

:thumbsup going two times a week to the gym and running every day in the morning is a good compensation !

i work-out every other day, 15 mins walk and at least
8 hours of sleep. no cig and less beer. vitamins and lots
of h2O everyday.

Easy to say now. I'm over 50 and not ready to cash it in.

:2 cents:

defintally a recipe for disaster!!!
I quit smoking on nov 17 and started going to the gym for about 1hr30 per day, 45 minutes on treadmill/bike and the rest some low weights...also spent a week in mexico which was a real test with all the alcohol drinking and partying we did...and cigarettes cost like 2.50 there....very hard to not be tempted!

the key is to move a little everyday before you get to the point that you dont want to move at all...its tough to get going but once you start and are past the soreness it will defenitely improve your mental and physical health. Id say 90% of people who post here are out of shape and in dire need of some physical activity, i know i was and still am but i cant afford not to continue

:2 cents:

Try to get into a decent sleeping schedule because rest is really important even if we do kid around about it being a waste of time.

Besides that, even if you are a webmaster and work from home there is no exceuse to be eating junk food every day and sitting behind the PC drinking coffee, soda, or beer for most the day. Have normal, good healthy meals, not even healthy, just vary your diet with regular food and avoid the fast food stuff.

If you find yourself drinking alot during the day, especially bad shit, it's probably to keep you awake because you arent getting enough rest to begin with which is the real problem.

Besides that take a break every few hours and try to get a bit of excersize during the week and you should be all set. :thumbsup


Summary: getting proper sleep is most important :thumbsup

I go to the gym almost daily, run, ride my bike, take walks etc etc. I don't smoke and only drink beer on the weekends. I'm in shape. You just got to stay some what active and you'll live a bit longer. Even half an hour a day helps plenty.