Will I be too tired to work out at the gym 3 nights a week when I work LTC?

Before becoming a LPN I completed 3 Ironman Triathlons, and many many many other marathons, races, and events. When I started working at a LTC, I was running and swimming and occasionally biking. After the first few weeks, something had to give and sadly, it's been the exercise. I LOVE my work, but being on my feet ALL DAY, poor diet, and the physiological stress of nursing has shut down my work-outs almost completely. I still need a swim after a hard shift because their is no better way to "center" myself, but the running is very difficult because of the sore feet at the end of my shift. If you don't have a family, YES it can be done. You just have to get off your feet for a while before a hard aerobic workout. If you do have a family, it's gonna be REALLY difficult to keep up a weekly 6 hour workout routine. I really admire nurses who can keep up their running, and nurse, and have families because I can't.

All that said, I must admit that the endorphin rush I get from nusing is much more satisfying than the endorphin rush from exercise. My runs were once my best friend, my new best friends are all my grama's and grampa's.

Nursing is the exercise of the soul....

If I exercise before I go into work, I feel energized, but less stressed. Maybe if you went to power-walking instead of running, and save your joints for Nursing. Swimming is best. Good workout, no impact.

As an RN, Clinical Exercise Physiologist and former PT aide; I can tell you that 30 min 3-5 days per week "preferably everyday" is all you need to meet ACSM recommendations. 1 set of 10 reps full body for weight training. 30-60 min brisk walk or bicycle/treadmill "whatever" on other days. 2 hrs is overkill IMHO. I really also need a better idea of your workout too. But this is JMHO....

After being on my feet for 12+ hours a day and I can say with confidence I would not have the energy to go to the gym. However, if you went to the gym on your days off I think you would be fine.

I'm glad I read this because I was thinking there was something wrong with me for not being able to hit the gym after working for 8 or 12 hours! I have a coworker that often runs home from work (she drives in and has someone bring her back to get her car after she runs home) a couple times a week...6 miles! I can barely walk out to my car after working ICU for 12 hours and am just astonished that she runs 6 miles after the same shift. She is my inspriation though and she is a great nurse and person and maybe thats because she takes such good care of herself and just feels good!

Try water aerobics! Many under-estimate how good a work-out it really is. Add "water weights" and you have it all aerobics, toning, but no impact! I could do it after a 12 hr shift, no problem.