Can I still go to the gym regularly (Once I am nursing school)?

Fonenurse · Jan 4, 2006

Sounds to me like you have the makings of a good nurse if you are thinking ahead and trying to anticipate things.

There is no reason why you shouldn't continue your 'other life' around nursing school - you may have to adjust your schedule a bit, but in the UK we have a saying that goes - "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" and I think this is so true - you need a good work life balance and keeping fit is really important.

Good luck for when you start - don't worry about the 'horror stories' - it's often the bad things that get reported, not the good, and so many of us have been there and completed the course that it can't be all bad!

mollysn · Jan 4, 2006

Hi there! Beginning nursing school can be overwhelming. Once you get into the groove and schedule you will find time to have a life! Your time in the gym will be a valuable stress reliever and you might be about to do some reading on the treatmill LOL!!

You'll be a fine nurse!

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 4, 2006

I suggest from the very beginning you plan on the time at the gym every day. It's going to be the best stress reliever you can find out there. Don't let school overwhelm you to the point of not taking care of YOU.

I walk every day, 7 days a week, no matter how much I have going on and I actually find myself using that time to not worry about school, but to worry about me. 20-30 mins. a day of my life is worth that.

Good luck in school!!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2006

Something's gotta give when you go to nursing school. But it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your entire life and health practices. Maybe on those days you get up at 5am to go to clinicals (after going to bed at midnight) you might not make it to the gym, but I would definately prioritize it into your schedule for several days a week. I went jogging for over an hour every other day the entire time I was in nursing school and working full time.

You just have to be organized, motivated and have prioririties.

Good luck!

sun_chica · Jan 4, 2006

There's always time for the gym, you just need to make it part of your daily schedule. I found that studying notes/reading while working out on the elliptical & stationary bike was great, helped me remember more. I could never study while on the treadmill, running is too much mov't for my eyes to stay focused. Best of luck!

You'll definetely need a stress reliever & exercising is the best way to burn off frustrations!!!

scrmblr · Jan 4, 2006

I worked out or ran most every day of nursing school. I just had to schedule it a bit differently. sometimes this meant getting up waaaay early and packing a bag for the gym. Sometimes it meant a run between classes and a "quick change" in the bathroom.

It is a priority in my life, it just requires a little different approach sometimes:)

bobnurse · Jan 4, 2006

Your school should have a gym. Our college had a pretty decent gym and weightlifting room. It was free since i was a student. So i would either work out before, after or in-between classes. Instead of running on the treadmill, i would do the recumbent bike and read..It doesnt burn as many calories, but at least i could study.

prinsessa · Jan 4, 2006

I'm not even in Nursing school yet and I had to cancel my membership to the gym. I just had no time to go. I do still try to get exercise when I can. I walk to the train station (a little over a mile away) almost everyday on the way to school. I notice that I am not in shape as much as before, but I guess sometimes you have to make sacrifices when it comes to school.

MMARN, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2006

I think it should be required. Even my program manager told us in orientation to make sure to join a gym in order for us to release the stress of the program. I joined Shapes and it has actually helped and I haven't started the program, yet. Not only does it keep you healthy, but it releases that pent-up stress that you get when you have to study, write care plans, study, read, study, etc.

One of the things that I believe nursing school will do, is to MAKE you become more organized. Therefore, if you are able to keep everything in check, you can most difinitely have a life outside of school. I have other things like church, my family, and THEN school. School is one of my priorities, of course, but it isn't my only one.

Just as long as you keep everything organized and your time balanced, I think you will fine. Good luck and God bless!!!

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2006

Gosh, I sure hope so! I have a great routine right now and I am not willing to sacrifice the steps I have taken for my health. I am a huge believer in scheduling. I have blocked out times for me to get a workout in, even if it means getting up earlier. I am sure I will have to make adjustments to my schedule once classes start up and I get in the groove, but that's okay.

I can only imagine how much good a workout will be for you. Just taking some time for yourself and clearing your head will be an awesome stress reliever.

Good Luck!

TLC RN · Jan 5, 2006

I think you can do it. I am in school full time and workout 5-6 days a week training for next years triathlon season. I avg 4-7 hours a week. But the key is priorities... mine are as follows:

1. Myself

2. My son

3. School

4. Workout

5. Everything else

I plan easy or off days on long clinical days. I also listen to my body a lot because sometimes you just have to skip a workout when you have been up all night studying. If it is a priority to you, you can do it.