What exercises are good for nursing?

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Obviously exercise, strength training for the back is good. Is physical flexibility important? How about physical endurance? Arm strength?

Any favorite exercise that has helped you?

-Dan

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Growing extra arms and legs helps, ha ha. But I found that a really good way for me to up my endurance was taking strength training combined with aerobic type classes at the gym. We lift free weights then switch to squats and lunges, then do sit ups... Its cross training for an hour. I found three times a week for two months made a grat impact on my work endurance(we do alot of pushing beds and gurneys in PACU). HOWEVER, nothing can beat proper lifting mechanics and using enough staff for lifting heavier patients. It may take time to convice others to help you, but you only have one back!

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Growing extra arms and legs helps, ha ha. But I found that a really good way for me to up my endurance was taking strength training combined with aerobic type classes at the gym. We lift free weights then switch to squats and lunges, then do sit ups... Its cross training for an hour. I found three times a week for two months made a grat impact on my work endurance(we do alot of pushing beds and gurneys in PACU). HOWEVER, nothing can beat proper lifting mechanics and using enough staff for lifting heavier patients. It may take time to convice others to help you, but you only have one back!

Extra arms and legs like an octopus? :) Guess extra back would help too. :)

Thanks for the advice. I am looking for some good exercise that will help me to prepare a nursing career.

-Dan

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Specializes in NICU.

Definitely some kind of cardio to increase endurance and to keep you fit overall, as well as to keep off extra weight. Your feet will hurt sometimes, and the less weight on them the better. Also work on those abdominal muscles, because the stronger those muscles are, the better support for your back. And gosh knows that nurses often have bad backs!!!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Think all-around workout is best... resistance and some cardio. Neglect a body part and that'll be the link that causes you probs.

Also hit known weaker areas a bit more. (Had a sore rotator cuff for several years before it finally healed this year. Now I make sure my delts and surrounding zone are covered from various angles.)

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Thanks for the replies so far. Another question, what do you do personally or wish to do to be physically healthy so minimize the chances of injury on the job?

I am looking for specific ideas.

-Dan

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my best advice

1 - hamstring flexibility - inflexible hamstrings contribute to back injuries.

2 - strong abdominal core - provides support for back muscles

3 - good posture - eases strain on the back muscles

4 - don't "pick and choose" with resistance training - work them all

5 - pay attention to opposing muscle groups - muscle imbalances contribute to injury

6 - when working with the bedridden patient, raise the bed to a height that prevents you from having to bend and stoop.

7 - if you are transferring a patient and the patient starts to fall, help them to the floor - don't try to play hero and stop them from falling.

8 - take care of your back - you won't be issued another one.

9 - always wait for help to arrive - an accident in the bed is better than a slipped disc any day of the week.

10 - your body knows what is best - if it says STOP, always listen. The body is very very wise.

:)

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Overall fitness is key. A good fitness program will include flexibility (especially back and hamstring stretches), strength (we all know about the increase in "bariatric" patient populations), and definitely endurance. Not only that, but important components in my opinion are also spiritual and mental fitness, however you achieve those.

Personally, I have been in training for my first triathlon. It has helped in every one of those areas.

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Spinning is a great way to keep Fit.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... 10 - your body knows what is best - if it says STOP, always listen...

Great overall post!

Noncompliance with the above is what led to the rotator cuff prob described previously.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I do alternating days of cardio and strength/toning, 5-6 days per week. It's not doing a darn thing for weight loss--unfortunately the increased activity has led to a corresponding increase in my appetite!--but I take up less space and feel better than I have in years. I've got good upper body strength now, plus firm abdominal muscles underneath all the fat (!) which have helped my back tremendously. My co-workers tell me I used to huff and puff up & down the halls, and I haven't done that in months. :) In fact, I don't know HOW I'd be able to nurse if I weren't in some kind of shape.....I'm too overweight otherwise to manage it.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
I do alternating days of cardio and strength/toning, 5-6 days per week...

Wow! Love your dedication.

Make sure you're not overdoing it and, consequently, running yourself down.

These days I'm getting in two days each of resistance and cardio (treadmill).

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