Managing fitness in Nursing school

Nursing Students General Students

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Hey everyone, so I start NS in the fall. I heard from many that nursing students gain weight from all the stress. I go to the gym anywhere from 3-5 days a week, training legs, arms shoulders, back on different days. It's important to me. Is anyone else a gym gower that can give me some tips? Thank you :)

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

It seems like you're going to be fine but my one tip to keep you on track would be to give yourself ample permission to work out whenever you feel the need to. In other words, as much as studying is a priority, exercise will be of similar importance. I don't think I have gained too much weight (I've been developing certain areas so I know I've gained muscle but it's hard to tell sometimes) but I have made sure to keep staying on top of it as much as a I can. When i'm injured, I'll just walk on the treadmill and read through notes or textbooks. When I'm feeling really good, I'll do HIIT workouts that save time and challenge me differently. Don't give up. Keep it interesting. Pay attention to what you're putting in your mouth if you find yourself not able to keep as active during certain times. Good luck!

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I am in the same boat. I have the added problem of distance. My school is almost an hour north of my house and my box(crossfit gym) is a half hour south. I am waiting to see exactly what my schedule will be before I make a decision about joking a box in the city where I attend school. I am hoping to continue going four or five days a week. I am currently training for a half marathon too. I have no doubt all this is going to change come August.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Either find a 24h gym and/or find something you can do at home (DVDs) at odd hours.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

I do both but primarily workout via dvd/online streaming programs. I've lost weight. Also, meal prep is essential when in school.

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My nursing school includes a golds gym membership with tuition. I'll take that as a hint that fitness and staying fit is important!

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Specializes in PACU.

I just incorporate studying into my workout routine. I record all my lectures so I will listen to them on the treadmill or while I swim (I have a waterproof ipod shuffle I use) or do flashcards. Multitasking is key for me, I like to get as much done in as little time ad possible.

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If your school has a gym, use it. It's easy to just stop by the gym after a day of classes.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You may be able to cut back a bit on gym time because you aren't taking into account the workout associated with toting around all the massive textbooks & gear for school - :laugh:. Congrats on your acceptance & commitment to health and fitness.

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Working out is a great stress buster, as you probably already know. Buy some dumbbells you can use at home for study breaks. Take a 20 minute break and do your arms. Next time, take 20 minutes and do legs. Or whatever works. Go for a brisk walk or jog.

Working out has saved my sanity during times of stress and crisis. You are very smart to be thinking about this, because it's really easy to let it slide.

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i am a fitness-holic but the only time I ever go to gym is during holidays or summer because that's how stressful nursing school was. No matter what, studying was always a priority. even if i didnt' have to study, I needed to atleast do my readings to be prepared for the next lecture so i basically never had time to go to gym unless once in a blue moon. I did gain a lot of weight too since when im studying, i like to eat to cope with my stress.

One advice is time management. Have an agenda and set a date and time on when you need to make sure to study and when to go to gym. Really need to work on TIME MANAGEMENT that is key in surviving nursing school.. other than studying and passing the program. lol :)

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I would read while walking on an incline on the treadmill. I also squeezed in anything I could in between classes and such, and meal planning is key. Snack on things like grapes or cherry tomatoes if you need to eat to stay awake, and carry your food to the hospital and campus. Food was the biggest factor for me. I could usually make the workouts happen. If there's a gym on campus, that always helps.

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