Benefits of Fitness for Court Reporters and Office Staff

With 35 years in the court reporting industry, I’m a huge proponent of fitness for court reporters and office staff. I’ve personally seen the benefits in my own life, after joining a Boot Camp class 11 years ago.

I make it a priority to attend my Boot Camp class three times a week, not only for the health benefits but also for the mental and emotional gains. Less stress and anxiety are some of the benefits I experience with the endorphins kick in. I believe I am a happy and positive person; and I attribute it, in large part, to my Boot Camp class.

Demanding, Stressful Job

A court reporter’s job can be physically grueling because they often must sit in uncomfortable chairs for hours at a time without breaks. It’s a difficult job because they are stroking out every single word said in the room. This is not only mentally challenging but also requires physical endurance.

It is not uncommon for attorneys to request same-day or next-day delivery of transcripts, which causes even more pressure and stress.

Thus, court reporters and office staff experience stress when trying to meet the deadlines of clients. It can be even more stressful for a court reporter when they have a contentious case and/or witnesses that do not articulate clearly, have an accent, or speak softly.

I have seen the emotional effects on both court reporters and office staff due to the demands and stress of the job, witnessing tears more times than I would like to admit.

Fitness for Court Reporters Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Since our industry consists of daily time pressure and deadlines, it is extremely important to take care of ourselves. I enjoy being part of a Boot Camp class because I see the same people every week and have developed friendships with them. You gain comradery and accountability, too.

We’ve even participated in a couple of Tough Mudders together and get together socially every couple of months for game nights.

I may not like working out while I’m doing it, but afterward, I’m in a great mood. The release of endorphins continues throughout the day.

I feel sharper, more alert, more energetic, and ready to take on the world because I’m able to manage my stress and anxiety.

In addition to working out, making better food choices has many benefits as well, including building stronger muscles and bones to reduce the risk of injury, especially as we age.

Working Fitness into your Schedule

Most court reporters take jobs 2-3 days per week and work from home the other days, so it’s not easy to squeeze in a workout.

My suggestion is to dedicate the days that you’re working from home to attending a fitness class or doing some type of at home workout.

The quote, “It takes 30 days to form a habit” is true. I did not want to make a 5:45 a.m. Boot Camp class a part of my day, but I have created a routine that is hard to break.

Establishing a fitness routine for court reporters and office staff is extremely important because the nature of our job requires us to sit. Having spent the first part of my career as a court reporter, I can relate. It’s a matter of priorities and habits that will produce results.

An Investment in Health

Furthermore, the monthly fee that I pay to go to my Boot Camp class probably saves on medical and emotional expenses in the long run.

The amount I spend on fitness is really an investment in saving money down the road, and I only had to give up a few lattes at Starbucks to pay for it.

Consequently, I’m grateful that I feel healthy and that I’m not on any medications, don’t have high blood pressure, or any health issues to speak of. Granted, some of that may be from genes, but I do attribute it also to my fitness regimen and eating right.

Work and Life is Better

Ultimately, I am in a better frame of mind professionally, personally, mentally, and physically because I adhere to my Boot Camp schedule. In short, there are many benefits in all areas of my life, including the new relationships and friendships I have because of my class. It’s changed my life for the better, and it would be my hope that office staff and court reporters feel inspired and make your health and fitness a priority by participating in some type of routine.