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

JillFRN · 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!

Having lost that weight you know you can avoid those tempting unhealthy foods, just have a healthy alternative with you. I have lso weight during NS not gained. Make it a priority to make smart decisions, plan ahead and stay active. It can be done with a little time management

kikisrdb · Aug 25, 2009

I take my voice recorder, jump on the tred, epiliptical, bike, stepper, etc. and go to town while listening to my lectures! I know there is barely anytime for anything but study but working out is a great stress reliever so by listening to my lectures and videos I get fit and study all in one!!

behappy123 · Aug 26, 2009

I never went to the gym all year, had zero time. So mad because before nursing I used to work out everyday. Now for second year I canceled my membership, waste of money. I'll just run in my neighborhood and do work out videos or eat less lol!

runtagua · Aug 26, 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!!!

You totally need to get the new EA Active for the Wii! It's AMAZING. Seriously, this is such a better workout than the Fit (and I love the fit). It basically is 20 minutes of mixed exercises, running in place, lunges, squats, arm exercises, etc. It's got short bursts of cardio (running, boxing, tennis) mixed with strength training. It seriously gets you sweating. If you like the Wii Fit, I bet you'll love this. I'm totally digging it... and yes, this is how I'm getting my exercise in this semester... though, the tv has been at the repair shop this week, so I've taken this time to slack off.

cingle · Aug 26, 2009

Just found some exercise programs available on the "On Demand" part of my cable TV...I just moved here for school so that's something new to me. No excuses! Now I can flip on a yoga program to do in 20 minutes without commercials at 3:00 a.m. if I want to. And the neighborhood I live in has sidewalks (none of those where I moved from) so I've been out walking every day. Not sure how that will work in winter since it'll be dark, but I'll think about that when I get there.

As for food, do y'all pack snacks/lunch for the nonclinical days? Those are more predictable so I'm thinking of trying it. I don't think it would work for clinicals since I don't know where I'll end up, if there will be storage, etc.

sh1901 · Aug 26, 2009

runtagua - I was looking at that game but wasn't sure about it. I was planning to rent it and try it out before I plunked down the cash for it. I just adore my wii fit....although I get ticked off at my personal trainer when she tells me I'm a little shaky during yoga!! LOL It's supposed to rain in my area this weekend, so I'll go rent the game and try it out...now that I have a recommendation! Thanks!

Oh - cingle, I do pack snacks for BOTH non-clinical and clinical. I just make sure that I pack very portable, non-perishable foods for clinical days. The 100 calorie packs of cheezits and such are a good choice for me. They are small, portable and don't throw my diet out the window. By not packing on clinical days I tend to eat from vending, which consists of things like ho-ho's and candy bars.

choc0late · Aug 26, 2009

Well I came back to school after a 5 year hiatus this past January. I started at 118lbs with no jiggle and nice girly muscle tone. I had worked HARD to get that (notice the word "that"?) body. It had come over a year and a half of losing 75lbs, and working out everyday. I sit here typing at almost 140lbs LOTS of jiggle, hardly ANY muscle tone, and have been exercising maybe 1-2 days a week at MOST! I started again with watching what I eat and promised to begin my exercise routine again, as at this rate I won't fit into my unifom! So if anyone here wabnts to start some type of fitness challenge/check in or whatever I'm in! :banghead:

paynck · Aug 26, 2009

This is a wonderful thread and I want to thank everyone for their replies and tips!

Contributing my two cents, as far as working out I find that swimming is more relaxing and less tiring to me. This is perfect because you tone your entire body and you're not TOO tired afterwards to hit the books. It's also my form of relaxation. Even jogging or walking up and down the pool lanes are a good form of exercise.

Youtube has great short, 5 min or less workout and yoga videos. One thing that I plan to do this year is to take exercise study breaks, such as go for a walk with my notecards. Remember, studying is more effective when you allow yourself study breaks and focus on another activity.

As far as diet, I like packing snacks like pretzels or veggie chips. Unfortunately, I'm ingesting so much caffeine and sugar in the form of coffee, energy drinks and soda so I try to limit my snacking. Eating SMALL meals/snacks 5-6 times a day is better than stuffing yourself 3 times a day.

Good luck! I have a lot of trouble finding the time to commit myself to an exercise plan as well.

JillFRN · Aug 26, 2009

This is a wonderful thread and I want to thank everyone for their replies and tips!
Contributing my two cents, as far as working out I find that swimming is more relaxing and less tiring to me. This is perfect because you tone your entire body and you're not TOO tired afterwards to hit the books. It's also my form of relaxation. Even jogging or walking up and down the pool lanes are a good form of exercise.
Youtube has great short, 5 min or less workout and yoga videos. One thing that I plan to do this year is to take exercise study breaks, such as go for a walk with my notecards. Remember, studying is more effective when you allow yourself study breaks and focus on another activity.
As far as diet, I like packing snacks like pretzels or veggie chips. Unfortunately, I'm ingesting so much caffeine and sugar in the form of coffee, energy drinks and soda so I try to limit my snacking. Eating SMALL meals/snacks 5-6 times a day is better than stuffing yourself 3 times a day.
Good luck! I have a lot of trouble finding the time to commit myself to an exercise plan as well.

Swimming is such a great exercise and I never find time to do it, even in the summer! It is very relaxing, so relaxing, I'd probably fall asleep on my books afterwards! :chuckle

DUSN08 · Aug 26, 2009

It's all about priorities. If working out is important to you then you deffinately need to make time for it. Plus, while you are working out it will deffinately help you clear your mind and that will help out with school too.