This thread is a challenge to all nurses to make this simple change, to start walking the stairs at your workplace instead of using the elevator. This is to improve your health and fitness.
If you think, oh no, it's too much effort, I work hard enough as it is, then think again. You'll have more energy if you become more fit. You'll feel better, not worse.
Try it for a week, just commit to definitely doing this for one week and take it from there. After that week, see if maybe you'll want to do it for another week, or maybe for a month.
In addition to incorporating stairs, might I also suggest parking your cars at the farthest end of the parking lot? Not only will you get even more exercise but you will also avoid the insanity of fighting for closer spots and less chance of dings!
The way I see it, as long as God has given you two fully-functioning legs to walk you should use them. Be an example to your patients!!
Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.
And, while we are all charging up and down the stairs (smile) you could incorporate a small work-out during your shift.
Example: IF you had an area where you wouldn't be disturbed, and while you were taking your rare 15 minute break for the day (smile, sigh....) how about doing an exercise that is a great work-out for your glutes?
Take a liter bag of saline (for example). Get on all fours (maybe use a sheet). While on your hands and knees, place the liter bag in the crook of your leg - behind your knee - and slowly, carefully extend your leg with the saline bag and up....so that you are balancing the NS bag and attempt to pull that leg up toward the back of your head....squeeze those glutes! and slowly bring the leg back to its starting position (remember, you are on your hands and knees). Repeat for 15 times then switch to your other leg.
Anyone have any other ideas for a quick work-out while at work (and when time allows)? You can easily incorporate this type of work-out in the comfort of your home using a small weight or a can of something.....
In addition to incorporating stairs, might I also suggest parking your cars at the farthest end of the parking lot? Not only will you get even more exercise but you will also avoid the insanity of fighting for closer spots and less chance of dings!
The way I see it, as long as God has given you two fully-functioning legs to walk you should use them. Be an example to your patients!!
I do this when I go to Winco or Target or WalMart . . . . park way out there. The other nice thing is when you are trying to get out of the parking lot, you don't have so many people walking behind your car with their carts. Avoidance of accidents is a good thing.
I do this when I go to Winco or Target or WalMart . . . . park way out there. The other nice thing is when you are trying to get out of the parking lot, you don't have so many people walking behind your car with their carts. Avoidance of accidents is a good thing.
steph
AMEN SISTER! At the Super Walmart near me, there are so many people fighting for the closest spots - and by the time I have parked at the empty far end and walked to the store the same cars battling are still driving around (and mind you, these are NOT disabled people or mothers with small children I'm talking about) ... these are guys younger than ME and primadonnas in BMWs that feel entitled.
I kinda like carrying the shopping bags back to the car and doing bicep curls while I walk, LOL :chuckle ... but of course the wallet suffers in the process
I don't shop at Walmart normally. Just isn't my style. However at the Mall I do park further out where my car is in my opinion safer from dings and such. Does not in the least bother me to walk in. I love walking and jogging daily anyway. Around the neighborhood. The jogging and bike trails. I just love being outside and getting exercise. Really love it after a nicely peppered V 8. Im addicted to V8s.
PacoUSA, BSN, RN
3,450 Posts
In addition to incorporating stairs, might I also suggest parking your cars at the farthest end of the parking lot? Not only will you get even more exercise but you will also avoid the insanity of fighting for closer spots and less chance of dings!
The way I see it, as long as God has given you two fully-functioning legs to walk you should use them. Be an example to your patients!!