There are many topics regarding us who study these so called “careers of letters.” We are often associated with library mice, which probably puts us one step ahead the science freaks (those with glasses, tight pants and suspenders). However, in the case of translators this isn’t entirely true.
The never ending workloads, the lack of rest or the little time to eat produces an important physical weathering. That’s why it’s very important for any professional interpreter to maintain good physical health that allows him/her to face all of these physical wears.
Singers that dance at their concerts such as: Madonna, Cher, Britney, etc.. usually undergo a fattening diet before touring mainly because the tours consume big portions of their energy reserves. An interpreter should do something similar. because our activity is done all year round it doesn’t make sense to gain weight and loose it, so the best thing to do would be to do some endurance activity (aerobics) in a regular fashion.
Running, cycling, stair climbing, etc… are exercises that will help us raise our endurance without sacrificing our health. We should remember that working 12 straight hours, and perhaps having 3 days off afterwards, still takes its toll on the body, we don’t notice it straight away, but in the long run it can produce a lot of injuries and diseases.