Exercise and Nursing School

Students General Students

Published

  1. Do you Exercise

    • Yes
    • No
    • Aerobic Exercise: increases your heart rate, works your muscles, and makes you breathe faster and harder
    • Flexibility Exercise: may include stretching, foam rolling, yoga, tai chi, and Pilates
    • Strength/Resistance Exercise: may involve barbells and weight plates or dumbbells

47 members have participated

Guys/Gals,

What do you do for exercise. If you are into it... How do you make the time. If so what types of exercise do you do? (for health reasons, friendship, ease the stress, etc). Also where do you go and do you get a discount? Do you have a trainer, etc?

Thanks...

Crew2Nursing

Specializes in ICU.

I exercised all throughout my prereqs. I was running up to 4 miles a day. Now, I have no time. My finals are next week and I honestly can't wait so I can get back at it. I have been doing nothing but projects, class, studying, and clinical. I'm so worn out and stressed out but after next Friday I am done until August!!

AZBlueBell

411 Posts

Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I love daily burn. It has workouts ranging from 15-40 minutes, it's really motivating, and I can stream it through my play station. Very reasonable at $13/month.

BertG77

134 Posts

During pre reqs and first semester I ran 2 miles 2/3 days a week. It was an easy and quick (20 min) way to get my HR up and without incurring the cost of a gym membership. 2nd semester demanded more time but I still ran, mainly because if I didn't factor that 20 min of exercise time into my week at least once my depression and anxiety would get the best of me. Then my wife suggested we try a local circuit gym with a very reasonable rate. The course takes 30 min and it involves a full body workout. I think each person is different, but also I think it's a matter of perception. For me, exercise is necessary for total well being and I feel like a little bit of it, sprinkled into your weekly schedule is incredibly beneficial. Try different things, ask friends to engage in routines with you do you can hold each other accountable. Record your lectures and listen to them, or listen to your text books using a text to speech app on phone. That way you can study while you exercise and have less of an excuse to say there's no time.

During my prerequistes day, and even before nursing school, I was a huge health freak. I loved running. I did 5 miles a day, and I just felt healthy! However, once 2nd year rolled around, it wasn't unusual for me to gain 5-10 pounds every year. I usually lose it during the summer. It's just how it is. And I've learned to just accept it. This year, I gained 15 pounds, and like I said, I'm just ready to hop on that exercise train and lose it. :)

datalore

100 Posts

Specializes in Cardiac/Tele.

I work out every day, even if it's only 15 minutes that I squeeze in on a busy day. The hospital I work at/do clinicals in has a gym and I get a discount for being a student and employee. I don't see how I could jump right into the physical aspects of work if I didn't stay strong, flexible, and able to get around without getting winded. I look at exercise as a long-term safeguard against back or other injuries after I graduate, so I make it a priority.

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I love Shaun T & his work outs. I have T25 & Insanity Max 30. I'm wondering after I finish IM 30 & T25 if I could handle Insanity. We'll see!

Miss.LeoRN

234 Posts

Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown, PCU.

I honestly tired. I have a great routine that I love. But I spend like 2 hours in the gym, and it got to the point where I was feeling guilt for not studying during those two hours. Or for taking a nap during that time because I hadn't slept all night. I'll start again in a weekish when final is over.

I say if you can manage time, go for it. An equally important aspect is food choice though. Especially if you can't make time for the gym. Keep healthy snacks and bring your own to where ever you can.

NightOwlPsyRN

39 Posts

Specializes in Psych.

I worked at a gym in nursing school which 1) gave me a free membership and 2) was flexible with my nursing school schedule. I was in the best shape in nursing school to tell you the truth! I also worked nights which allowed me to study before the gym closed at 11pm (those hours are normally super slow). Now in the working world though, is a different story lol. I need to get my groove back...working two day shifts and three night shifts messes up my circadian rhythm for sure!

I worked at a gym in nursing school

I wish my school had a gym! I like to put in at least 20-30 min of biking about 3-4x a week, depending on the weather. I have sensitive knees, so I have to build my way up to running again. And I'll throw in some weight sessions during my study break so I don't feel like a total bum as I'm studying for exams. Even just taking a 20-30 min walk around the neighborhood is better than nothing! Don't let school get in the way of your health :)

Kind of embarrassed to say this, but I would go up and down the stairs at my school between classes or during breaks, and I have been known to do lunges in class. My classmates don't even bat an eyelash. Of course, this is before class, when the professor is not there.

PapaBearRN, BSN

203 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Management.

During my pre reqs i would cycle on average 55 miles per ride 3 days a week and go boxing in the evening four days a week. I honestly just got really lazy when I got into nursing school haha. I'm about to graduate and I barely work out 2-3 days a week.

NightOwlPsyRN

39 Posts

Specializes in Psych.

Oh no I meant I worked at a gym while in nursing school I mean, I wish my nursing school had a gym too lol. Sometimes I would bring a yoga mat, medicine ball, jump rope, and dumbbells in my car so that between classes, I could get on our rooftop of my nursing school and do crossfit style circuits. We had a cool rooftop with picnic tables and table umbrellas where some students would go to study between classes, and it had decent space to workout too. :)

I only wish I were as active now as I was then. I need to get the motivation back!

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