How do you manage to find time to workout & stay fit during nursing school?

pharmgirl · Aug 25, 2009

answer in easy form: I don't

Long form: I wish I could/would/want to/need to but can't seem to fit it in. I guess if I was real motivated I would schedule myself some "me" time to do it but I'm just not that motivated LOL. Horrible I know.

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 25, 2009

I've been doing the Couch to 5K program ( http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml ) this summer and I intend to continue it through school. The longest workout in the program is only about 40 minutes so it doesn't take up that much time. If you tape your lectures you could even listen to them while running or whatever exercise you want to do.

MHSA LPN · Aug 25, 2009

My schedule is 2-10, so I work out before or after class at my condo gym. Sometimes I just run outside for an hour or so.

Nepenthe Sea · Aug 25, 2009

I tried to work out last semester in the morning before classes, but it just got to where I needed that time to study for A&P II. This year, I am just trying to fit in small bits when I can. At night when I am studying, if I start getting sleepy, I just get down on the floor and do some crunches, push-ups, squats, etc. I keep some small hand weghts right where I study, too. This gets blood moving to the brain, and I'm not relying on caffeine (I drink enough during the day!). I've tried it for the last week, and it is a good excuse to take a break. I just do a few minutes, several different times, and it gives me that second wind for a little longer. Repeat as necessary!

nikkisn · Aug 25, 2009

i haven't started school yet ( first day is later today!), but i do a volunteer internship at the hospital and every time i'm there i run the stairs (9 floors) at least three times, more if it's a slow day. it only takes a few minutes each time but it's a great mini workout. hopefully they'll have stairs at my clinical site!

sh1901 · Aug 25, 2009

Last semester, my answer to this would have been that I don't work out.

This semester I have started off on a new foot. I'm committed to fitting 30 minutes 3-4 times a week into my schedule.

I have a treadmill which is good for when I need to read and exercise at the same time. Even more beneficial, it's in the basement near the washer, so I can work out, run a load of clothes (gotta get those scrubs clean) and read at the same time...talk about multi-tasking.

I also have a wii fit. I like this system because I get to do different things. When I am really stressed, the boxing program is FANTASTIC. I just picture who or what I am angry with or stressed about and that's what I'm hitting. Great work out and stress relief!!!

CandyGyrl1985 · Aug 25, 2009

if you dont have time here is what i suggest:

when you get to school park way out from the building. then at least 2 times a day you have a descent walk :redbeathe

i agree with pp that said do push-ups or crunches during study time when you are tired - that is awesome! :sleep:

after studying go for a 10 minute walk and go over your notes in your head. quiz yourself and try to recall information that you know is important. the great thing about this is that i normally end up walking faster once i get thinking and it reinforces what i tried to memorize... not only that but afterwards you feel positive, motivated and accomplished! :balloons:

set small goals - like i will do 10 crunches a night before studying, 10 jumping jacks after my break and then 10 push ups when i am almost done. i do these before my breaks and before i finish so i can give my brain a mental pause and that way it doesnt cut into the actual break time. :rotfl:

or you can setup a game while you study - for example if you are memorizing flash cards and you are taking a final quiz through them - you can tell yourself that for each one you miss you will do 5 push-ups and while you do each push up you say the word and the definition. lol - i call this torture learning haha :lol_hitti

Asira · Aug 25, 2009

I make it a priority. I feel better about myself and far more confident when I know I look good/am in shape. I have an hour a day/6days a week set aside to work out, and always eat healthy. To me this is what has helped me stay motivated in all aspects of my life. :] If you tell yourself you want it, and that it's important, you will do it.

JillFRN · Aug 25, 2009

I find that I have to work out in some form whether it be running or weight lifting or yoga to keep my sanity. I am going into my third semester and I think you need to find something that relieves your stress, plus it will make you feel better about yourself. My first semester clinical instructor asked me what I did to destress and I told him nothing, he told me that had to change if I was going to stay sane.

cingle · Aug 25, 2009

I really appreciate this thread. I lost a lot of weight starting about 5 years ago and have managed to keep it off. Honestly, I've been a little concerned about gaining weight back since I keep hearing/reading that everyone gains in nursing school! One thread I read even mentioned buying scrubs at the next-bigger size than one wears since it's almost GUARANTEED that one will gain. Sheesh!

I'm in orientation this week and already feel a little crappy from all the sitting. Let's not even talk about the tables full of donuts, juice, muffins, rolls, etc. that have been set out in the mornings! I can see I'm going to have to be very organized and purposeful in order to keep working out -- and eat high-protein to keep me away from the junk foods!

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2009

I just do. I just make the time. It's about priorities. I can't think of the last time I turned on my TV.