Fit In Fitness

Written By: DJ Patterson, CD-SV

Connect with DJ on Instagram! @djpatterson

This article is a contribution on behalf of the IDA Health & Wellness Taskforce. 

Are you hands-on in your business regularly? As detailers, this is often the case. Detailing takes a great deal of physical strength and endurance. Polishing for long hours, constantly on your feet, moving your body in all different directions for 8+ hours a day, and holding awkward positions while working. It can take a toll, causing stress and strain.

I’m not hands-on in my business as much anymore. However, for over a decade I detailed regularly, pushing my body to the limit for 60-70 hours each week. Those hours I spent contorted in awkward positions, straining my muscles to accomplish a detail compounded. I was in a great deal of pain. To this day, I have shoulder and lower back pain that creeps up at times. This is a result of not taking care of my body while in the thick of my physical detailing career.

Your body is a tool just like everything else in your detailing arsenal. You have to put gas in your generator, water in your steamer, and products in your sprayers for them to work for an extended period. It is important for your performance and overall health to maintain a certain degree of fitness. Fitness helps keep your muscles primed for long-term physical use.

So, how can you maintain a good level of fitness? Try working out. Working out doesn’t have to be about getting big and swole! Working out will simply promote a much healthier long-term physical state. It's important to work it into your routine. Two or three times a week is a great place to start. Don't have time to go to the gym? Try using hand weights or performing exercises that use your body weight. You can do this in your living room. Take a walk on your break. Not only will it help you get fresh air, but walking is great for your muscles as well. Start small! You'll be thanking me in five years.

At the VERY least, it’s crucial to stretch for 10-20 minutes a day. Ideally, you should stretch before you begin detailing and after. Stretching before will help make sure you're loose for working the detail. Stretching after will help keep your muscles from tensing. Also, be mindful of performing tasks using the same range of motions. This can result in overuse, which can either result in immediate injury or injury later in life. As awkward as it can be, try switching up your normal arm motions. I learned this the hard way. Using the same arm motion for years… goodbye healthy shoulder! If you work with a team all the better! Try to make stretching a part of the routine for everyone in the shop.

For those big into fitness or simply want some fitness inspiration, go and follow my Instagram page (@djpatterson)! Share your tips as well, we're in this together!

You can also refer to the Health & Wellness Task Force resource library, which provides educational resources to our members for mental, emotional, and physical wellness. 

*The IDA is not a provider of medical or health services, and the information provided herein does not constitute medical advice. Please talk to your medical healthcare provider.