How to stay in shape while in Nursing school....

love2barn · Dec 15, 2008

Call me crazy but I get up at 4:30 am and go to the gym or workout at home. Also, I record lectures on my mp3 and listen to them at night while I walk on my treadmill, bike ride.

wellhereiam · Dec 15, 2008

How about signing up for a sports class at school? That way, you have to go, and it's no extra cost.

You could find a nursing school partner and jog/yoga together after class.

Do it in between class. I had a 3.5 hour lecture where we had a 20 minute break in between. I would run at least a mile.

If you really want to push yourself, sign up for a marathon or sports competition. Then you'll really feel like you have to exercise or look like a fool on game day.

Ditto on the listening to lecture while exercising, as said by kakustak. You can still study and jog/walk.

For me, joining a gym would never work because the thought of the amount of time it takes to change and drive there (and the gas money) gave me an excuse not to go. You have to find a small spot in your schedule where you can stick it in.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2008

I did a lot of home projects, went to a gym once in a while, even took the dog a walk no matter what the weather was...

Preemie2RN · Dec 15, 2008

Sounds goofy but my hubby rigged a cookbook holder to the front of my eliptical and I read and study while working out! I seem to think that I retain the information because blood is pumping to my brain!! LOL!!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Dec 15, 2008

I try to go to the gym in between getting off from work and going to lecture. I too work full time and in school most days of the week. I listen to my lecture while on the elliptical/treadmill. Now that I'm on break, on going to try and work out as much as possible... to lose the 15 lbs or so I gained since starting nursing school. I'm also cutting out alot of sweets and fats as well. Good luck to us who are trying to stay in shape. I think it is important to be a healthy example to patients . How could we advise a patient who is obese to exercise and eat right if we are obese and not eating right or exercising ? Just my two cents. Hope I didn't offend anyone ( trust me I have no room to talk, because I'm too is overweight ! )

anewday · Dec 15, 2008

I just finished my first semester. I managed to work out at least 3 days a week most of the time. I only slacked off during exam weeks. I haven't worked out in 2 weeks not b/c of finals. Now that they are over, I plan to pick back up again this week. Also eating healthy helps too.

txpatches · Dec 16, 2008

Call me crazy but I get up at 4:30 am and go to the gym or workout at home. Also, I record lectures on my mp3 and listen to them at night while I walk on my treadmill, bike ride.

I don't mean to hijack this thread but how do you record lectures on your mp3?? I apologize in advance. I am a little "technology challenged"! :eek:

shoegalRN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

Sounds goofy but my hubby rigged a cookbook holder to the front of my eliptical and I read and study while working out! I seem to think that I retain the information because blood is pumping to my brain!! LOL!!

I did something similar to this.

I would take my powerpoints/study guides to the gym with me and walk on the trendmill for 30 minutes. Then I would do the stairmaster for 15 minutes, just going over and over my powerpoints/study guides. I also would put on my Ipod to listen to music so I can focus on the powerpoints in front of me.

Worked for me!

whiteoleander5 · Dec 16, 2008

I dont exercise as much as just trying to eat healthy, or even healthier now that Im not exercising as much. I make sure to always have a healthy snack on me, whether Im at clinical or class. Sometimes in the middle of studying, I'll get up and do some yoga. And I know this sounds funny, but I enjoy dancing... SO i'll dance if a good song is on the radio (not that I listen to the radio much these days!), I probably look like a nut but oh well. It allows me to let off some steam, and burn some calories. :clown: :imbar:clown:

Next semester I am definately getting a voice recorder, and I plan on going for walks while I listen to lectures. It cant get much better than that!

PianoGirl20 · Dec 16, 2008

I would just say to try to make exercise a priority. WAAAY easier said than done, but try to do stuff like say to yourself, "I will exercise X number of days/week" and then write that in your agenda. I think it does help to see it as some sort of "appointment." And on the days when I really do feel too overwhelmed at the thought of a major workout on the elliptical, I 'll go for a walk instead. I usually end up walking for about an hour (so I must be burning SOME calories!) and it feels peaceful, so I think it's a good compromise.

CrystalClear75, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

Try the 10 minute solution DVD's(you can find them on amazon) and break it up throughout the day, that's what I've been doing(30-40 minutes total) and lost 5 pounds. :up: I'd LOVE to lose 5 more!

Oh and of course eat more fruits and veggies, lean proteins, whole grains...you get the picture.