Anyone here bulk up to become a better nurse?

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While waiting for admission news I'm wondering whether or not to pack on extra muscle to make nursing easier on my body. I've heard some people talk about bedside nursing putting a lot of wear and tear on their bodies throughout the years so maybe I can make this easier by getting stronger. Will this make a difference in the end?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I noticed that I developed more stamina, fatigued less easily, had more energy, and acquired more regular sleep/wake cycles when I was lifting weights and doing aerobic exercise several times weekly. It really helped out during those long shifts.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I find that when I do pilates regularly, my back aches less after a long shift and I have more endurance and energy.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

Nursing seems to work less primary muscle groups. Strong back is good. I do yoga, but I wouldn't spend more time getting bulkier, as a student you'll get what you need!

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

I would highly, highly recommend the book Starting Strength (and the DVD) by Mark Rippetoe for building strength for men and women. With the 5 basic but essential lifts described in painstakingly anatomically correct detail in this book, with the exercises split on 3 nonconsecutive days a week, you will get a stronger back (and legs, and shoulders, and hips, and everything else) than you ever thought possible.

I sit for 8 hours a day at work and no longer am sore in my back at all. Free weights just rock like nothing else for the body, and not those silly pink dumbbells that weigh little more than a can of beans.

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Specializes in flight, critical care, ER.

Aerobics will probably help more than pure weight lifing, and in my personal opinion a circuit training routine is very beneficial because of the cardio/strength training. If you don't do anything though, you will feel it more when you are up for 12-14 hours on your feet!

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

Aerobics won't help for significantly improving strength, though. Aerobics/cardio plus weights are the way to go.

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If anyone is interested in working out seriously, making a lifestyle change, look into P90x. I'm a graduate several times over, and this program is amazing. Beachbody.com has a lot of other DVD's as well. I've also heard good things about iwantsixpackabs.com - the routine consists of just using your own bodyweight, and the exercises are only about 20mins a day, which is great if you are pressed for time. The best part is that all the info is free - including the videos.

I also second the Ripptoe book.

Being physically fit does wonders for your life. Not only with the obvious things, like stamina and strength, but also with concentration, memory, and dealing with stress (which are all things you're going to need a boost on in the near future).

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.
If anyone is interested in working out seriously, making a lifestyle change, look into P90x. I'm a graduate several times over, and this program is amazing. Beachbody.com has a lot of other DVD's as well. I've also heard good things about iwantsixpackabs.com - the routine consists of just using your own bodyweight, and the exercises are only about 20mins a day, which is great if you are pressed for time. The best part is that all the info is free - including the videos.

I also second the Ripptoe book.

Being physically fit does wonders for your life. Not only with the obvious things, like stamina and strength, but also with concentration, memory, and dealing with stress (which are all things you're going to need a boost on in the near future).

Good luck to you!

I would also add the twinge of fear while facing a heavy weight and being able to mentally prep yourself to lift it is incredible as well.

I've never done P90X, but I have heard that one should be able to pass the physical readiness test (or something like that). I found it on the P90X website, so it would help to look at that first to see if you're ready (if anyone is thinking about this program). P90X doesn't appear to be for rank novices, but a beginner with a good base apparently would be a good candidate for it.

I also recommend Body For Life by Bill Phillips as a very nice way to start with weights and cardio. However, the emphasis is not on the big power-building lifts like Starting Strength, although they can be included. I actually started my exercise routine with Body For Life and developed a love of lifting heavy stuff. However, biceps curls were losing their charm for me, and I wanted to get STRONG.

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Specializes in ED.

I've actually gained fat, it's depressing really. I don't understand it either. I worked for a factory before a became a nurse and I couldn't even keep weight on because it was physical loading all day. Now I feel like a run around constantly without a break, push patients around and lift people and I just keep getting fatter. Then I'm too exhausted when I come home to do any kind of exercise. I don't get it.

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I lift weights and run as often as I can in the week. When I don't have access to the gym, I use the P90x system... I just get bored of it pretty quick.

Starting strength is AWESOME!

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Specializes in Quality Nurse Specialist, Health Coach.

I used to lift weights alot and after I had my daughter 3 years ago, I've been a cardio queen. But, I've just started back to weights to help with moving patients and protecting myself! I think it is important to incorporate both for the best optimal health!

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