Most of us work up to 12 hrs leaving no time for exercise and outdoor sports. What tips do you have for such programmers? How can we stay fit and healthy?
I would suggest something that I myself do - play a team sport. In my case, that's hockey (field). I've done this since I was 7, having played a few years of top-class sport in my youth.
It's good for your body and mind as you do a whole lot of cardio and attending the third-half after with your teammates :)
I find that using public transport (walking to train stations, bus stops, etc) instead of driving, doing all my own cleaning/laundry/cooking and doing 10 pull-ups whenever I walk under my pullup bar (which is in my bedroom door frame) is enough to keep me fit, but when I have the time I make sure to swim laps and go for a stroll as well. I rarely attend the gym, but if I have to work out, I do it at a place called BodyTec - they attach electrodes to my skin that makes my muscles rapidly expand and contract while I work out, intensifying my routine. Typically a 20 minute session provides the same benefit as a week's worth of gyming. I was skeptical at first but the results have been pretty consistent.
"F**K stress and bench press".
Yes, there is no alternative to physical training. I work 14 hours a day, still manage to lift for 45 minutes. Sometimes even in mid-night. What if a gym is closed in late night? High intensity running at beach side.
To all devs, please have one one physical activity no matter how many hours you are putting in work, it's all about balance :)
Ha!
José Ricardo
Software Craftsman
Work fewer hours, definitely.
If you really can't, more important than doing 1h of exercises is to spread movement over your day. In this regard, Deskbound will probably help you amazon.com/Deskbound-Standing-Up-Sitting-World/dp…
This is for you to at least be functional/healthy, not ripped.
If you can squeeze a few more minutes in your day, learn to do body weight exercises. Grab a book like amazon.com/You-Are-Your-Own-Gym/dp/0345528581 (it's ok) and start doing them at home, when you can.