ABSN program GGHSON -Working out!

[Txephope123]

Hello I just got admitted into a Accelerated program at Texas tech El Paso and I’m excited yet very nervous. I want to know if there’s any of you out there who have been able to balance working out and school. I’m very dedicated to working out have donde so for the past 8 yrs i workout everyday for about an 1 hr n 1/2 or less, I lift weights and I’m very healthy it’s a routine I’ve had forever and I also have a trainer(send me my routines) for the past 3 yrs who has just made my progress amazing. I also have a bf who is just as into working out as me( met him at the gym) and have been together for the past 7 yrs. my question is am I able to workout at least 5 days a week for at least 1hr or 1 hr 1/2? Is it possible to keep working out during an ABSN program? I have no kids and won’t be working and live with my parents but can spend the night at my bfs also he live like 3 min away from the gym. Also at least maybe half and afternoon or day to spend with my bf or fam? What was your experience? Similar to mine? Thank you in advance!!!

[gere7404, BSN, RN]

ASBN programs are pretty tough. However it sounds like that's your only obligation, so I don't see why you wouldn't be able to put in an hour at the gym. However, when you start doing your practicum you might find it a bit difficult to work 12 hour shifts and go to class and still have time to go to the gym 5 nights a week.

It doesn't sound like the gym is too much of a hassle to commute to for you, but where I live there wasn't one that available, so I ended up putting up a squat rack in my garage, got a rowing machine, and some kettlebells to keep in shape. I was working full time in school though, so I cut my workouts to 3 nights a week.

[Txephope123]

Thank you for responding! My program is 16 months long. Yes I think I would might not be able to go those days and tbh id rather be well rested if anything id probably just do cardio since I also incorporate HIIT every other day so I’m ok doing that those days, I just have no idea at all how many times a week does one have clinicals up to now they have only given us our lecture times. I guess I’m not so worried about how I look but bcuz working out to me didn’t start as a “i want to look good or loose weight”(nothing wrong with that) i was referred to it by my therapist since I suffer from anxiety. I’ve managed to keep my anxiety controlled for the past 7 yrs bcuz i work out. If I don’t workout for more than 2 days I notice I start getting in a bad mood and very anxious I see it as my outlet where I get to relax and give myself time attention. I guess I’m mostly afraid of becoming too anxious so I’m ok with sacrificing days (ex clinical days or week of exams) as long as I get some time to workout . My friend said it’s all about time management? For her working out was not a priority. Also my bf n i workout together so it be like spending some time together and getting my workout in. I’m mostly confused since I don’t know how schedules look like at ABSN programs

[gere7404, BSN, RN]

13 hours ago, Txephope123 said:

My friend said it’s all about time management? For her working out was not a priority.

Prioritization and time management is pretty much what nursing is all about.

You'll need to engage in some kind of self care throughout your career as a nurse, and exercise is a beneficial way to do so. Just be aware that some quarters and tests will have you going to school, going to clinical sites, studying, and working on projects A LOT, so be a little flexible with your workouts. I'd skip barbell training and do mostly body weight or kettlebell stuff after a long clinical day, for instance.