Out of shape, how can I prep for clinicals??

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Ok, I'm WAAAAYYY out of shape, starting RN school in January, and am worried about my physical condition. I have been working a desk job for 15+ years now, and have a hard time standing in long lines because my knees hurt, my back hurts, etc. Xmas shopping made me think that I'm not really up for 12 hour clinicals...

What can I expect as far as time on feet vs. time doing charting or other desk work? What's the best way to prep for this physically besides the obvious of getting up and walking more?

Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.

Thanks for all the great replies. I got a good pair of shoes... new balance, and am breaking them in before school starts. I am having to cancel my gym membership for money's sake, but am on Weight Watchers and recently got a stationary bike and treadmill for the house and have a good quality resistance band set I haven't started using yet. As with anything, I guess I just have to dive in.

I have knee problems, so I have to go easy on the treadmill, but I can walk on it and do the bike with no problems. Now to get out the bands... :)

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Great suggestions...walking, getting a good pair of shoes, etc. But how is your diet? Sometimes what we eat affects us just as much as our lack of physical activity.

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Great for you that you've decided to get into shape! I must say, I was pretty surprised after my first 12 hour clinical. I had 12s, two days in a row this past semester and it was a killer on my calves. I'd like to think that I'm in shape considering I ran a marathon in May and a couple half marathons this year, and in spite of this, I still had problems with my calves. And trust me, it's way more time on your feet than on your butt.

Like the others said, walking is a great excercise. Get out there and log some miles. Also, focus on toning your body as well. Strengthening the muscles of your lower (and upper) body will help with all those hours on your feet. Unfortunately, I focus too much on running and not enough on strength training (the bane of my exercise routine), which I know would help me.

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Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.
Great suggestions...walking, getting a good pair of shoes, etc. But how is your diet? Sometimes what we eat affects us just as much as our lack of physical activity.

Good point. My diet is atrocious but getting better with WW.

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I'll co-sign everyone who says to start getting in shape by walking. I'd also add: work on flexibility, especially for your lower back.

1. walk

2. stretch

3. repeat 1 & 2

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I was worried about this too before my last semester. I too am way out of shape and i really wasnt sure if i'd be able to handle 12 hour clinical days, but I actually surprised myself and did fine, i even still had a lot of energy after! I think because of the fact that I was learning all day long and doing different things the time really flew by! I didnt stop to think about how my feet hurt until I was home. I'm sure it will be the same for you! :)

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I can identify. My knees recently started hurting whenever I stand for a while. I think its because I've gained a few pounds and my knees are rebelling.

Let me just say, New Balance might work for you but you might have to try several different shoes. If I were to even think about wearing a pair of athletic shoes for a period of standing time, there would be heck to pay afterward. Also, don't go on someone else's recommendations. There are many threads about shoes. Two oft mentioned shoes are the Sketcher's Shape Ups and Danskos. I tried them both. The Shape Ups made my knee hurt so bad I could hardly walk and Danskos were like standing on concrete.

So, try out different shoes and find what's best for you! Good luck!

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