How to stay in shape???!!

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · May 20, 2008

When I was a Nursing Assistant working 3-11 I lost weight---and was in great shape..all the walking, lifting, turning you will do, not to mention your dinner may consist of a banana and a piece of gum, and you will be so hot and sweaty after getting everyone to bed and doing night care you will drink your weight in ice water.

If that is still not enough exercise you may want to do some yoga or pilates before going into to work---your body will appreciate the stretching before work!!

By going to school during the day, your metabolism will be revved up. Just eat healthy snacks. I think your going to be so busy, you wont need a work out!!

clhRN2b2010 · May 20, 2008

This past semester, I bought a digital voice recorder to record lecture. That one move made a huge difference. I recorded lecture, took it to the gym and did 1 hr of cardio daily relistening to that lecture. I was more compelled to do the whole hour b/c I needed to get in the lecture material again. I felt good about myself because I was studying and getting exercise-two things I felt like I was always trying to squeeze in to the rest of my life. You could do the same thing just walking around the neighborhood. The DVR also hooked right up to my computer and would download lecture. You could burn to CD's and listen to them in the car if that was more helpful.

Plus, for me my kids were always bugging me and having them in the gym day care while I studied was big time helpful. I could sit in the gym cafe for another hour to study quietly if I needed to.

Hausfrau · May 20, 2008

I lost a good 15lbs after I started working 3-11 at an assisted living facility!! Running around, up 2 flights of stairs, serving dinner, diaper changes... the place was huge. One of the reasons I loved being a CNA is because the job is a total work out!!!

Unfortunately most of the nurses sat on their butts in the nursing station-- so I can't say the same for them.. (not being rude, but it was true..)

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · May 20, 2008

Hello Everyone,
I am a nursing assistant and i start school this Aug (finally!!) My shift at work is 3-11:30. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to stay in shape, exercise programs etc. By the time i get home and showered its way passed midnight, i have a difficult time waking up to go to the gym. If anyone has any suggestions I'll gladly appreciate them!!

You can take the stairs instead of the elevator when you're at work. And you can also work the flight of stairs on your break.

Pinkster · May 20, 2008

Eat healthy snacks durring the day so that when you get home at Midnight you are not tempted to eat a large dinner then go right to sleep.

jessiern, BSN, RN · May 20, 2008

This past semester, I bought a digital voice recorder to record lecture. That one move made a huge difference. I recorded lecture, took it to the gym and did 1 hr of cardio daily relistening to that lecture. I was more compelled to do the whole hour b/c I needed to get in the lecture material again. I felt good about myself because I was studying and getting exercise-two things I felt like I was always trying to squeeze in to the rest of my life. You could do the same thing just walking around the neighborhood. The DVR also hooked right up to my computer and would download lecture. You could burn to CD's and listen to them in the car if that was more helpful.
Plus, for me my kids were always bugging me and having them in the gym day care while I studied was big time helpful. I could sit in the gym cafe for another hour to study quietly if I needed to.

Check with your instructors before you record any lectures. Some are not willing to allow that

Dancin'Mom · May 20, 2008

I know of another nurse who does stairs at work when she has a break. You could work out on days off or just make yourself get up, exercise, and go back to bed if need be. You might find that exercising give you a little energy boost. Also, at my work place, there is a little gym area with bikes/treadmills that is open 24 hours per day. Just some suggestions...........:nuke:

jistravel · May 20, 2008

In addition to the walking, lifting, etc, I would suggest "mini workouts" to target parts of your body. Do dips when your sitting, pushups and crunches for a few minutes in the morning. Excercise tv has many workouts that are liek 10 minutes long. I am starting my pre reqs to apply to nursing school right now and plan to work as a CNA as well and have thought about this as well. I normally spend 1 hr 30 minutes to 2 hours at the gym 4 to 6 times a week but will have to get in in my mind that even 10 minutes here and there will count cumulatively.

flygirl43 · May 21, 2008

We all eat at certain meal times...not when we are hungry. I lost 50 lbs and kept it off for years, by only eating when I was actually hungry...and being very aware of portion size. I walk 5 miles a day after work LOL.....I am 5"2" and weigh 105 now.....but my portions are small....i dont snack or graze...eat only low fat, high protein meals....and my portions are 1/3 of what is considered normal by the resteraunt industry. I am healthy and fit.....It takes several months to lose that fake craving at "meal time" buit in the end....your body will tell you what it needs after conditioning it propperly

SaraO'Hara · Jun 6, 2008

Girdle.

Kunzieo · Jun 6, 2008

Girdle.

:chuckle

The biggest thing for me was avoiding fast food. At 11 when you get off, it seems so much easier to just pop through McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc. and eat on your way home so you can go right to bed or not have to worry about making a real meal. Once I got over that habit, the weight came off a lot easier.

Also, don't know if you have/want one...but I got the new Wii Fit. It's a fitness program/game that works with the Wii to build strength, tone muscle, improve posture and balance, and includes some cardiac/aerobic games too. I've only had it a week but I really love it, because I can do it anytime, I HATE going to the gym, and it makes workouts seem fun. It's pretty low impact, but at least I am up and moving. (Although the Hula-Hoop game can get my ol' heart racing no problem!)