Getting in shape before nursing shool?

busylady61 · Dec 8, 2006

I am right there with you! I am applying in the Spring.. but since I will not have any classes, I am taking this time to shape up! I know I will need the energy come clinicals! I gained 15 lbs during my pre-reqs.. I can't do the same for clinicals.

This is an interesting thread!

I have gained a lot of weight as a teacher. Stressful, long hours, all the same old excuses....but I am in the process of lining up LPN school for August 2007. I know in my heart that I have got to use the "down time" between now and then to get into better physical shape (if you can call teaching full time as down time... lol).

Specifically, more fruits, vegetables and exercise.... less sugar and alcohol (although that last one might be tough during the holidays!).

jilliang · Dec 8, 2006

I just wanted to say that I agree with everyone it is always a good time to lose weight and the way you feel makes it all worth while. I gained 90 pounds with my second pregnancy and while I was doing my nursing prereqs. It was just a stressful time with the baby and two kids. I have since lost 68 pounds and still working on the last 30. But, I am finishing my first semester in nursing school and I actually lived at the gym this summer to get the extra weight off before I started. But this semester, I maintained by taking my notes and books and spending on average at least 20 minutes doing cardio while looking at my notes. Sometimes I would just walk for 2 hours without realizing it because I was studying my notes! I wasnt running a marathon but I was walking briskly and burning calories.Any moving is better than sitting! =D I still lifted weights and sometimes didnt study so I could focus on a harder cardio session but when I took my notes the time went by so quickly and I was killing 2 birds with one stone so to speak. Actually I have finals all this week and when I am walking on the treadmill I am less distracted and more alive so I have been studying longer at the gym! It works out great. My classmates are doing it too and we have all LOST weight this semester! That is a miracle!! =) Hope we can keep it up next semester! =D

I RN A · Dec 8, 2006

It all depends on you. If you are ready to loose weight, you should start ASAP. NS doesn't improve your leanleness, especially if you are prone to gain weight. There is a lot of stress and studing and snacking. You have to have a good will power to stay in shape. When you are trying to loose weight just remember simple formula: calories in, calories out. If you eat more than you expand, you will gain, if you expand more than you eat, you will lose weight. Try to keep a food diary, where you record all of the calories, fats, carbs and totals every day. Try to read labels at a grocery store prior to buying foods. Start an exercise program, which includes some kind of aerobic exercise(walking, swimming, jumping a rope, playing a sport of choice) and weight training. And most important stick to whatever program you chose.

If you need more advice or support fell free to send an email to me. I used to be a personal trainer before I've started the NS.

Athenas83 · Dec 10, 2006

Hey...that's great you want to get in shape!! It helps sooo much with stress. I completed this program Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan and now run 14-20 miles a week.

At the same site is a forum where there is so much encouragement, here Cool Running :: Discussion Forums

Cinqly, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2006

It's awesome that you want to take steps to improve your mind AND body!!

I reccomend that you approach this subject as "getting healthy", rather than "losing weight". I have worked in the fitness field, and people who go into weight loss for the purpose of "losing weight" always fail. People who want to change their bodies for the purpose becoming healthier, stronger, and to have more energy are always the most successful. There are a few equally important things you need to start a successful life change as far as your body, fitness, and health are concerned:

-A willingness to change

-Follow through

-A technology that works

As far as a "technology that works", I would reccomend that you approach "losing weight" with a three-prong approach, utilizing:

-Resistance training

-Aerobic exercise

-Supportive nutrition (not all food is created equally!)

If you do the above three things, you WILL lose fat, you'll probably gain a little muscle and strength, you'll feel better, have more energy, you'll be HEALTHIER, and ultimately you'll probably lose a little weight too. Also, it's helpful to realize that the scale and your "weight" are the worst way to monitor progress, as the scale weight is your full body weight: organs, muscle, water, bones, and fat. If you judge by the feel of your clothes and the look of your body, as well as your body-fat-percentage, you will be much happier with your progress, and thus be able to maintain "follow-through". Also, if you need help, don't hesitate to ask! Many personal trainers now offer group classes, and they can tailor a program/sessions to your individual needs. Also, don't think you have to go 3 times a week forever to see results. Many of the people we worked with met once every two weeks, and saw results over a period of 18 weeks. However, you don't NEED professional help, you just need to inform yourself on what works. You CAN do it on your own!

I am now a pre-nursing student, and as busy as I am in school and working, I ALWAYS find time to get exercise in, and I eat supportively most of the time. Try to find activites that you like, and things you will stick to, but don't fall into a rut. I think it is VERY important for health professionals to "practice what they preach". A nurse/doctor should try to be a shining gem of health, which includes taking care of your body and what you put into it. I realize that I'm kind of on a soapbox now, and this message is really geared towards ANYONE that wants to change thier body. You have ALREADY taken the first step, since you have a willingness to change. And congratualtions for that!

Remember, a healthy way of life is for life. Best of luck!