Published
When I worked nights I went before work. Showered at the gym and slipped on my scrubs. Too tired to workout after working all night. I did 8 hour shifts though. I think I would skip the gym if I worked 12's as I am pretty sure I did my 10,000 steps each shift. But that is just me, you'll have to find what works for you. Of course our gym is in the hospital I work at so not any drive time involved.
Dang it. Now I am craving nachos.
Hey!
i always go the afternoon before my first night on, and sometimes the next shift (depending how I feel). If I'm on a stretch of a few nights in a row I always feel like the exercise that first shift helps me sleep. Then I try to make it to the gym on my off days. (Plus do some ab circuits at home if I can't make it). Just don't punish yourself or feel guilty when you're too pooped to make it to work out!!
I was a member of gyms for over 25 years and finally got tired of it- you know changing clothes, showering afterwards etc. I tried things like working out in my scrubs, but that didn't last long.
I finally bought an elliptical and universal, already had some free weights, and now workout in my basement and it's great! I'll do workouts of 10 minutes or an hour- whatever I feel like.
Just yesterday, I did a 20 minute workout in the basement of both elliptical and weights, then did 10 miles on my mountain bike. It was 32 degrees with a good S SW wind and today I feel great!
Getting away from the gym and the programmed routine has definitely increased my workout!
I get my workouts in before work, around 7 or 8 pm (my shift starts at 11pm). I exercise at home: I have a recumbent bike, free weights, and several exercise DVDs. I used to go to the local Y, but I hated having to jockey for free equipment.
On my days off, I may keep the same schedule, or work out in the mornings. Depends on how I'm feeling that day.
Long time nocs, I make it a part of my weekly schedule by scheduling my three days together, going to the gym on my first day post-nap, pre-work. Then I take my rest days on work days and go on my off-days. I realized I valued my sleep more than exercise :/ Hope you find what works for you :)
sminichiello
2 Posts
Hello fellow 40 hour night shift nurses !
Been working as a nurse for around 7 months now night shift 40 hours. Been struggling with finding a time to go to the gym which was one of my favorite things to do while in school, really need some advice !