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?

Specializes in Medical Surgical.

Mikey: Stress causes cortisol release, which results in fat.

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Since I started lifting and cycling I feel better at the end of each tour...

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

I disagree; the runners of our facility had nearly zero back problems. Running strengthens the back like nothing else. Body mechanics are key.

It seems endurance training begets endurance and strength training begets strength so I'm with the cross training suggestion. Endurance training uses muscles, as well and nurses are subject to repetition injuries. Keeping your abdomen in shape to support your back is also key.

The cross training makes the best sense. Do cardo for shift endurance and floor walking strength (if you don't' have endurance, your muscles will tire after so many hours and be more likely to be strained-big or not).

Just being in shape however you do it (imagine high-school shape...strong and you've got some endurance) will prepare you for the long haul. Bulking up may go against you if you get into a sedentary job and all that bulk goes to fat. Overweight nurses have more injuries statistically-no secret. Keep your weight to a healthy international standard (not US) and exercise; you'll be in the top percentage of your cohorts.

When working, I'd always RUN the stairs when I'd take em (regardless how high and how many trips) and stretch at work; even do some sit ups or push ups (if your work has a gym or a clean place you can do it). If your place has tunnels, jogging there is great!

Just my opinion!

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I bulked up for my job. About 5 or 6 years ago before I was a RN I was a CNA working in a nursing home. I strained my back while transferring a patient from the bed to a wheel chair. After that I said to myself that I will never hurt my back again. So I hit the gym. I used to weigh 150 pounds and after I would say 4 years of weight lifting I weigh 205 pounds. I feel great and strong, and I have yet to injure myself again. There is a huge benefit of being physically fit and strong while being a nurse. I recommend it, do some strength training. Now you don't have to go all out as I did, but do something that will get you stronger.

-David H.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I try to maintain a general level of physical fitness for my health and well being.

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Specializes in School Nursing.
Keep your weight to a healthy international standard (not US) and exercise; you'll be in the top percentage of your cohorts.

Not to hijack the thread, but I am curious about this. How do international standards compare with US. I have only ever seen US BMI charts. Thanks!

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Yes! I went to a trainer when I started working and had a plan devised for me. I find it's really important to strengthen my naturally weaker parts (abs and arms), whereas my legs/back were good from the beginning. I started spinning (cycling) and loove it. Also, be smart in your job. While other people might say, oh, you can change/lift/walk this patient alone, if it seems questionable, DON'T DO IT. Get lift help.

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.
I disagree; the runners of our facility had nearly zero back problems. Running strengthens the back like nothing else. Body mechanics are key.

It seems endurance training begets endurance and strength training begets strength so I'm with the cross training suggestion. Endurance training uses muscles, as well and nurses are subject to repetition injuries. Keeping your abdomen in shape to support your back is also key.

The cross training makes the best sense. Do cardo for shift endurance and floor walking strength (if you don't' have endurance, your muscles will tire after so many hours and be more likely to be strained-big or not).

Just being in shape however you do it (imagine high-school shape...strong and you've got some endurance) will prepare you for the long haul. Bulking up may go against you if you get into a sedentary job and all that bulk goes to fat. Overweight nurses have more injuries statistically-no secret. Keep your weight to a healthy international standard (not US) and exercise; you'll be in the top percentage of your cohorts.

When working, I'd always RUN the stairs when I'd take em (regardless how high and how many trips) and stretch at work; even do some sit ups or push ups (if your work has a gym or a clean place you can do it). If your place has tunnels, jogging there is great!

Just my opinion!

Your opinion is wrong in two glaring ways. First of all, running does not strengthen the back like nothing else. Try decently heavy, properly executed deadlifts routinely for your lower back and some chinups for your upper back. There is nothing WRONG with running, of course, but it's not adding significant strength.

About the muscle turning to fat while in a sedentary job--that's about as likely to happen as my lung turning into my liver. You can lose muscle and gain fat, but if you have a sedentary job but EXERCISE HARD and EAT PROPERLY FOR YOUR LEVEL OF ACTIVITY, you will not.

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