FIFO work is booming again in Western Australia. But the huge financial benefits of remote work often comes at a cost, such as depression and weight gain.
For many workers, the sacrifices of long swings away from their families and loved ones take a heavy toll on their mental and physical health.
Throw in the exhausting 12-hour shifts, disrupted sleep patterns while switching from day to night shifts, the isolation and those darned flies, and it’s little wonder that many people turn to food, energy drinks and alcohol to cope.
Exercise for good mental and physical health in FIFO workers
Here at Agility Rehabilitation, we’re the experts in FIFO exercise benefits – with a deep respect for the fact that the lifestyle is challenging and the physical/mental demands can be huge.
But there’s one thing for you can do to help live your best, happiest life – while ensuring you are around for many years to enjoy your family – and that’s to start moving.
With many FIFO workers too exhausted to exercise while at camp, working in operator roles that see them sitting on a machine all day, or managing workplace injuries, a consult with one of our friendly exercise physiologists may be the key to turning your life around on your R&R.
Here’s 8 ways exercise can benefit FIFO workers
You owe it to yourself, your family and even your employer to live and perform at your peak.
But being a great life partner, parent, friend and crew member requires a healthy mind and body.
Focusing on your wellness by making exercise a priority will give you:
- Higher energy levels
- Happier, more stable moods
- Increased physical and mental endurance
- A faster metabolism
- A stronger, leaner body
- A healthier libido
- Better digestion
- And a stronger immune system
Holistic self-care is crucial when living in extreme conditions. And while this sounds a little bit airy-fairy, it makes perfect sense in a working population with widely reported risks of long-term mental health issues and physical decline.
Grab your FIFO life by the horns
The best news is, you can make simple changes right now that will turn your life around … and yes, even those who haven’t worked out in years can take control by getting moving immediately.
Here’s how:
- Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise every day. This can be as simple as taking a brisk walk or a steady jog around camp.
- Pursue an activity or workout routine that you enjoy, to boost your chances of maintaining it at home and at camp.
- Talk to your friends and professionals about what works for them, and why.
- Find yourself a gym or exercise physiologist at home, then put what you’ve learnt to practice using the gym on site.
- Remember not to overdo things. Giving yourself space to rest and recover from work when necessary is important, too. It’s all about balance.
- Don’t give up. If you miss a day or two, it’s easy to fall into a failure mindset. But if you pick yourself up and try again, your body will thank you for it.
- Remember, getting fit will make you healthy AND happy.
For those FIFO workers recovering from injury, as well as those who want to learn how to exercise safely onsite, please call Agility Rehabilitation on (08) 6162 8145 today.
Our friendly exercise physiologists are some of the best in Perth – and are experts in developing tailored programs to prevent injury and chronic disease.