Getting exercise

[rn2bcareer111]

Hi everyone,

I'm a current nursing student and have a question for those of you who workout and make exercising a priority. While I know that nurses move around a lot I would like to know how you find time to get your workouts in. Considering that most hospitals work with 12 hour shifts I just don't see how and when I will make time to exercise off the unit. I work out at least 4 to 5 times a week and I have to be able to continue to do that because it keeps me functioning and healthy!

[doodlebuttRN]

I work 10 hour overnights (2100-0700) 5 days a week, and I go to the gym right after work in the morning. If I wait too long, I get tired and don't want to go. When I get home after a workout, I shower, eat, and go to sleep. I find that I sleep much better if I workout.

You can find a way to fit it into your schedule, you just have to make it a priority. Once I finally realized this I was able to stop procrastinating and sabotaging my own attempts to get regular excercise, and now I go regularly. It is just part of my schedule.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Finding the time to exercise is easy-peasy now that I work from home. :)

Nonetheless, I worked 12-hour night shifts for years, from 6:00pm to 6:30am. I drove from my workplace to the gym to exercise from 7:00am to 8:00am. I packed my gym bag before work.

Some people say they cannot fall asleep after working out in the morning. I usually did not have that problem. Your mileage may vary.