How do you get motivated to exercise after work?

bellehill, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I work night shift and find it so hard to exercise my first night off. I consider my 12-hour shifts to be exercise so I already exercise 3 times a week. On slow nights I walk up the stairs and I always wear a pedometer to make sure I get 10,000 steps (not usually a problem). Scheduling your days off in a row will help you exercise. Remember you will feel better after you are done, you just have to make yourself do it (kind of like making yourself get up on your day off).

knigry01 · Sep 13, 2007

I used to work 12 hour shifts as QA in a pharm plant. I alway did better by getting my lifts or runs in before work...even if that means waking up at 4...my 2 cents.

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I go to a gym that has fun things for the kids to do while my husband and I work out. I try to remember how awesome I feel after a workout.

I try not to think too much about it, I can talk myself into and out of anything, so I just do it! I never go right after work. I go on my days off after I've slept. I just get up, get my gym clothes on, grab the kids and meet the husband at the gym. I love it!

worf · Sep 13, 2007

In order for me to fit it into my schedule, I have to get up before everyone in my house. I go to the gym from 4:30-5:30 and then I come home shower, and get my kids ready and then we are all off to school.

I know it's eary, but my day goes SO MUCH better if I get up! I also was amazed to find out there was a "whole new world of people" up at 4:30 in the gym. It is packed, I really thought it would be kind of slow.

It's just something you have to set your mind to...

GOOD LUCK!

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I do the same. Just get those gym clothes on and once I'm at the gym I tell myself you made it. A little self talk???????lol

time4meRN · Sep 13, 2007

I feel your pain. I've found that on days that I'm off I work out longer and with more intesity. The days I work 12 hours I try....notice I say try. ...to work out but just less. Usually I find that 1/2 hour is all I can manage on the days I work. I take health snacks with me to work. I work ER and we have a medic room that has all kinds of fattening goodies that are hard to resist. Some days I do better than others, but It seems I resist those things If I work out before I go to work. I usually find myself eating from stress. :pumpiron:

sharona97, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I feel your pain. I've found that on days that I'm off I work out longer and with more intesity. The days I work 12 hours I try....notice I say try. ...to work out but just less. Usually I find that 1/2 hour is all I can manage on the days I work. I take health snacks with me to work. I work ER and we have a medic room that has all kinds of fattening goodies that are hard to resist. Some days I do better than others, but It seems I resist those things If I work out before I go to work. I usually find myself eating from stress. :pumpiron:

I'm a stress eater upper too:o

incublissRN, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I'm in the same boat as you TigerGalLE! I look like I'm in shape but I'm really not. I work nights and I find it easier to work out before I go to work or after I sleep. There is no way I am able to work out right after I get home. I fall asleep almost immediately.

It's my goal to work out for 30-45 minutes at least 3 time a week.

Bill E. Rubin · Sep 13, 2007

I get my exercise by bicycling to the hospital where I work as a PCA. Otherwise, I'd have very little time to do it what with nursing school (which I also bike to, weather permitting). Unfortunately, this semester's clinicals are too far away.

April, RN, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2007

I am having the same problem lately. You would think that seeing the consequences of not eating right or exercising in our patients would be enough to motivate us! :lol2: