Exercising with a nurses schedule - Page 2

I run between 20-30 miles a week (you wouldn't know it to look at me, but I swear I do).

I have one long run between 10-12 miles a week. I then do a couple of shorter 3-6 mile runs during the week.

I just do it. Even if you are "too tired" after your shift or on your days off, you just have to lace up your shoes and start. I have a hard time doing that sometimes, so I have a deal with myself: I have to run a mile. If I still feel like crap after that first mile, I can be done. Of course, once you go that first mile, you next come easily.

I don't really have any set days that I run, since my schedule varies. Since my long runs can take 2+ hours, I don't do them during a 3 day stretch; typically I just run 3-5 miles before or after work. Except for my long run, when and how far I run mainly depends upon the weather. Now that it's getting warm, I'll switch to running after work, and once it gets hot and humid, my after work runs will be limited to 2-4 miles.

I also work out at a gym that requires you to sign up in advance for classes via the internet. Somehow, just reserving a spot in a class makes me more likely to go. At least once a week after work, I go to a yoga class. Right now I'm training for my first half, so I'm concentrating on running, but after that's finished, I'll go back to doing yoga 1-2 times a week, weight lifting 2x a week, and kick boxing once a week, in addition to my running. I amp up my classes (hello, airconditioning) and decrease my total milage during the warm weather, otherwise I'll die.

I guess my rambling recommendation is that you just DO it. I don't have a schedule, because that doesn't work for me. I don't plan to always run after work: if I'm super tired, it's raining, I wasn't able to eat before the end of my shift, well, a run is not going to happen. I have discovered that what works for me is simply having weekly goals, being flexible, and taking it day by day.

I work night shift and like the others... go straight to the gym. I wear my sports bra and tank under scrubs, eat during shift change or around then. I go spinning 1-2 times a week, pilates mat one day a week (my back and overall body feels more balanced and less sore bc of it) almost fell asleep lying on mat a few times, run or elliptical 1-2 times a week. On days where I feel sleep is more important, I will go home and row for like 15 minutes. I do weights/strength 3-4 times a week-mostly multi joint ones like kettle bells, push ups, dead lift type things. I think for me, its mixing it up and tho I want to eat a bagel, watch tv and sleep, I feel much better after I work out.

I used to work out regularly at the gym ! and not gonna lie since i started working the 12 hour shifts honestly it became reallllyyyyy HARD to go to the gym I was 129 lbs when I graduated and my weight sky rocketed to 167 lbs!! recently what I have been doing though is the turbo fire program and I have been taking shakeology to its been doing wonders for me! My weight has reduced to 150 lbs and I am only on week 6! I feel a whole lot different to, my clothes are LITERALLY falling off! . My energy level has sky rocketed I am much more productive at work and find it easier to focus! I got my stuff from www.beachbodycoach.com/jackya I believe. Its been great so far + they have an amazing support group & i have a one on one coach that is available 24/7. it makes me keep up with the routines! Im just glad I finally stopped wasting money on gym membership that I barely have time to go to / the fitness program is a bit pricey but I ended up saving so much more money than the monthly membership price I was paying at my gym! and that shakeology stuff is just MAGIC!

When I worked 3 12's I found it was much easier to keep up an exercise plan than now when I am working 5 8's
I am also a runner. I think any change in schedule, especially if it is accompanied by a change in job can throw off a running habit. THe thing is to kind of do it, and start slowly back into it. Even if I felt really tired, I wold do like 2 miles. anyone can do 2 miles (runners that is, for someone just starting out 2 miles is a different story). As I increased into it, I found I wanted to do it more and missed it more.

The other option of course is to join a class. OR if you are buddies with your co-workers, you could all get together in someones garage and to Jillian michaels Shred, or Insanity (I love insanity). etc. Personally though I think I would try to avoid having everything with co-workers....