As the owner of a carpet cleaning business, I spend my days doing the work I love—making carpets look like new and bringing a fresh feel to homes around St. Charles, MO. However, after years in the industry, I’m noticing just how physically demanding carpet cleaning can be. At 44, I’ve started to feel the toll it’s taking on my body. To keep doing this work for the long haul, I’ve taken up yoga, strength training, and even regular walking to stay strong, flexible, and resilient.
In this post, I want to share my journey, the challenges I face, and how making fitness a priority is helping me stay on top of my game. If you’re in a physically demanding field, maybe you’ll find some of this helpful, too.
The Physical Demands of Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning might not seem physically intense at first glance, but anyone who’s done it knows differently. From moving heavy equipment to getting into hard-to-reach corners and handling large spaces, carpet cleaning involves constant lifting, bending, and stretching. Add in a packed schedule and the demands multiply. Long workdays, like the ones I’ve had recently—sometimes working until 8:30 PM—require stamina and endurance.
Over time, these repetitive movements and long hours can take a toll. My back, shoulders, and knees, in particular, have felt the impact. Some days, by the time I finish my last job, I can feel every muscle and joint that’s been hard at work. Recently, I had a day with four large jobs, finishing only after the sun had set, and I felt completely drained. That day drove home a truth I couldn’t ignore: if I want to keep doing this work, I need to invest in my physical health.
Why I Decided to Start Yoga
Yoga wasn’t something I ever pictured myself doing, but once I looked into its benefits, I decided to give it a try. Yoga helps with flexibility and mobility, which are key to reducing aches and pains after a long day. The stretches target areas like the lower back and shoulders—those spots that take the most strain when you’re maneuvering cleaning equipment or lifting heavy items.
Since starting yoga, I’ve noticed that it helps me unwind mentally too. The breathing exercises and slow movements allow me to slow down, refocus, and end the day on a relaxing note. My go-to poses right now are the forward fold, which stretches the hamstrings and lower back, and child’s pose, which is great for relaxing the spine and relieving tension in the shoulders.
Strength Training: Building Endurance for the Job
While yoga improves my flexibility and balance, I needed something to build strength and endurance as well. So, I added strength training at the gym. By focusing on core, leg, and upper body exercises, I’m working to strengthen the muscles that support me during long workdays.
Strength training isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about preparing my body for the physical rigors of carpet cleaning. Core strength is essential for supporting the back during lifting and bending, so exercises like planks and crunches have become part of my routine. I also work on squats and deadlifts to keep my legs and lower back strong. These exercises mimic some of the movements I make on the job, like lifting equipment or carrying heavy items, so they help me stay conditioned for the work.
Adding Walks to the Routine
Today, I also decided to get out for a long walk at an indoor track. It’s amazing what a simple walk can do for clearing the mind and getting the blood flowing without putting too much stress on the body. Walking is another low-impact way to keep my endurance up, and it complements my yoga and gym work. After a day of bending, lifting, and moving, walking gives my body a chance to stretch out and relax. Plus, it’s a great way to recharge and prepare for the next day’s work.
A Healthier Body, a Better Service
Taking care of my body isn’t just for my benefit—it also means I can continue to give my best to my clients. With the energy and endurance I gain from working out, I’m better equipped to tackle even the most challenging jobs. I can lift and move equipment more efficiently, work longer without feeling as fatigued, and even manage jobs that require an extra level of effort.
This healthier approach also means I’m less likely to suffer from strains or injuries that could put me out of commission. Running a small business means there’s no “backup” team if I can’t work, so it’s up to me to stay in top shape. By investing in my health now, I’m investing in the future of my business.
Advice for Others in Physically Demanding Jobs
If you’re also in a line of work that demands a lot from your body, don’t wait as long as I did to start thinking about your health. Even small steps can make a big difference, whether it’s incorporating a few stretches into your day or setting aside time for light strength training.
I’d recommend starting with stretches focused on the areas that give you the most trouble, like lower back stretches or shoulder rolls to relieve tension. If you’re interested in yoga, there are plenty of beginner classes online that make it easy to get started. And if you’re up for it, strength training can be transformative for endurance and injury prevention. Even getting out for a simple walk, like I did today, can have a big impact.
Finding Balance for the Long Run
As I continue my journey, I’m learning that taking care of my body is an ongoing process. My routine now includes yoga, strength training, regular stretching, and now, walking—all of which help me manage the daily wear and tear. The difference in how I feel at the end of the day has been eye-opening, and I only wish I had started this journey sooner.
For anyone in a physical profession, there’s a lot of pride in being able to do the work and do it well. But as I’ve learned, taking care of your body is essential to ensure you can keep going for years to come. I’m 44, and I’ve got many more years of carpet cleaning ahead of me. With my new fitness routine, I’m committed to staying strong, healthy, and ready for every challenge that comes my way.
Thank you for reading and supporting my journey. Here’s to better health, longer careers, and doing what we love without sacrificing our bodies in the process.