Exercise for night shift.

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I am a new nurse in my first night shift job. When do you exercise? Before, After or in between your "naps". I need to do something I feel so weak lately. Thanks.

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I'm about to start my first night shift this week. I was going to try doing it after my shift. Idk how well this will go but we shall see.... Lol

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I work night shift also and had planned to go straight to gym after work. Even got my gym bag ready in my car. It's been 3 weeks and that gym bag has not been touched. I think I may try in between naps

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Specializes in OR/PACU/med surg/LTC.

I've been successfully a few times after work. I'm trying to make it a habit since there is no way I am waking up earlier to go to the gym before work. Plus the gym is empty at 0700. No people for me to make a fool out of myself :)

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

When I belonged to Curves, I went straight from work because they opened at 6:30 am. I could do my circuit and go home to relax. However, I didn't get to sleep until about 9:30 doing that. It worked well for me.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

When I worked nights, I would get up around 3-4p, workout, then go to work. No way in the morning! Get to sleep as soon as you can after your shift. Also, blackout shades changed my life, your sleep is so much better.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Recovery.

When I go to the gym it is right after work, then I sleep like a baby

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You have to find out what works got you. I found that working out before going to work helped me. I found that I didn't sleep as well after I worked out. I also had a better workout after I slept.

I also highly recommend quality black out curtains!

Good luck in finding what works for you!

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

I'm a runner and there are two mornings a week where I have to run anywhere from 3 to 8 miles after I get off from my 12 hour nightshift. I have found I actually enjoy it as the mornings are quiet and cool (I hate running in hot weather). And I am able to get to sleep after my run, which is nice. I feel like cr*p when I wake up in the afternoon, whether I work out or not so doing it after I get up is not an option.

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Specializes in Public Health.

I go to I love kickboxing and I love it! If they have an 815 class then I try to go after work but I usually go on my days off. Keeps me feeling alert and happy.

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

I have not been to the gym since earlier this year. However, I would get off work at 6:30am, arrive to the gym at 7:00am and start my workout by 7:30am.

I was home by 9:00am and slept from 10:00am to 4:30pm. I kept my weight under control by doing this and it worked for me, but your mileage may vary. :)

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I wasn't gonna work out today, but then saw this post and felt guilty ?. 3 mile run post noc it is!

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