Know of a good afternoon workout for a new 7a-3p RN?

[itsdebraanne, ASN, RN]

I'm a new nurse!!

I passed my RN boards this March and I got a full time job at a nursing home.

Last friday was my first day of orientation.

I wanted to get back into my workout schedule in the months I wasn't working (which i did). I usually run 3mi/day but now that im working, i feel that running prob isn't good for my feet/legs because they're already tired from my shift today.

When I came home, I rested for about 45min before i ran.

Is running a good or bad workout to do as a nurse who is on her feet 98% of the time?

Do you know of any good workouts? Now that I think about it I guess upper body, resistance training would be good, prob crunches, planks, pull-ups/push-ups. things that keep me on my feet only for a bit..

But if y'all have any other tips im open to it! thanks

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I like Zumba. Just turn the music up loud and dance. Relieves stress and doesn't seem to bother my lower extremities. I know a lot of nurses who do run, though. My knees just can't do that anymore.

[chrisrn24]

I love Zumba! I always get a good workout but it can be tailored to your needs that day. Less strenuous/more strenuous. There is even Zumba Toning with weights!

[WoundedBird]

I'm a huge fan of spinning. I've found out that I can get a better workout when I choose the music and the type of workout I want instead of following an instructor. I also don't feel bad when I can only make it part way through because I'm wiped out from school and clinicals.

[Alisonisayoshi, LVN]

Try TRX it can be done basically anywhere and once you get the hang of it, it's fun and challenging. I'm still a student, but I worked on my feet for my first career for a big majority if it. Running was great for my legs and I think it's freeing for the soul.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I am an Army nurse. We do CrossFit here. I also have in my house kettlebells and heavy bag. Experiment and see what works best for you. I also swim 4 days a week. Just hit it hard whatever you do.

[Daliadreamer]

CrossFit! I feel like this gives me the biggest bang for my buck- it's usually a full body workout that you can do just one or two times a week in between your running schedule, and it does not take a lot of time at all!

[sbostonRN]

Congrats on landing your first job!

I think it's ok to do whatever exercise you enjoy. You will get used to being on your feet and it's not so bad after awhile. I am on my feet all day long, working at an LTACH, and usually run 4 miles 3 days a week. I walk 3+ miles 3-4 days a week too. Basically all of my exercise is walking/running on my feet and it's only made me stronger. Yes, I'm tired at the end of my workday, but as I've gotten stronger I don't fatigue as much and I actually have MORE energy.

[spinetilt]

Skip breakfast. Eat a light lunch then after work hit the gym. Compound barbell movements that work the bigger muscles: Squat, press, deadlift, chin-ups, bench press. 2 warm up sets, three working sets of 5 reps. No cardio, unless you do sprint intervals on your non lifting days. 20 min max. You'll thank me later.

[runnergirl86, BSN, MSN]

Insanity workouts are fun and only take 40-60 minutes. You don't need any equipment and can do things at your intensity level. I usually switch days of Insanity with running, even if it has been a long day at work, running helps me relieve stress and you'll sleep better if you've done some sort of physical activity.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Back when I worked the 6:00-2:00pm shift at a nursing home (similar to 7-3pm), I worked out at a local health club at 3pm. Some days I would run on the treadmill and other days I would spend on the elliptical machine.

Is running a good or bad workout to do as a nurse who is on her feet 98% of the time?

I personally think running is one of the best cardiovascular workouts in existence, despite the impact to the joints.