What Type Of Excersize Or Stretching Do You Do To Keep Up In Nursing?

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Specializes in Geri and adult psych, hospice.

Hi! I am preparing for nursing school in the fall and going to CNA school soon, and I was just wondering what do you all find to be the best excersizes or stretches that help you lift patients, stand on your feet for hours and endure this proffession in general? I am not the most in shape person in the world and am worried about my upper body strength especially as far as lifting goes. I'd also like to start some kind of program like yoga because I know that nursing can be very stressful. Just curious as to what you guys do to keep in shape for body and mind. Thanks...Louisepug:D ;)

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I do stretching (Yoga will be good), weights (mostly kettlebells), martial arts and bodyweight strengthening exercises. When I do hurt my back, it's usually not from lifting tree trunks, but picking up a pencil in the wrong position. I can usually stretch it out and I'm good within hours. Take care of your back; CNAs tend to get hurt a lot. All the above work for the mind also...but then I'm ZenMan!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

I golf a lot

keeps me limber

keeps me happy

what else is there

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

A generalized weight lifting and exercise program is good. A strong back can be accented by strong abs, flexible hamstrings, etc. I do yoga to keep the back flexible and various exericises at they gym. So far 12 years of med-surg and no problems.

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Specializes in CCU (Coronary Care); Clinical Research.

I agree with above posts. I do yoga (though I am soooo not flexible) and try to keep strong abs and back. I also try to really use a lot of good technique when lifting and never lift on my own--sorry not worth it, I am thankful for the fabulous coworkers that I have so we make our own lifting team. I also just try to stay generally fit...cardio, weights...etc.

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I do my ballet stretches, pliates to keep my trunk in shape and free weights.

I never liked Yoga....but I did try the type of yoga where you sit in a 100 degree room...that was nice, I felt very streched out afterwards but I was soaked with sweat and hardly did anything so I'm not sure it was worth it:chuckle

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

Ah, Bikram yoga.....love that!!! It's about the only kind of yoga I enjoy....:chuckle

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Specializes in Geri and adult psych, hospice.

Thanx guys!:D Good suggestions. I'm actually trying a Bikram yoga class tonight! Thanks again, Louisepug

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Weights and treadmill on different days -- both twice a week (approximately 45-minute sessions).

In between the above, just some basic stretches (from the "Core System").

Be conscious of body mechanics throughout the day -- and not just at work.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Nursing Education, LTC, and HHC.

excersizes?? Uhh... None... Get enough just running back and forth all day!!! Too tired to exersize after all that....:)

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Great Idea to balance mind and body in order to cater your patients at your best.

My first choice

YOGA

Breathing exercises

Meditation

and also incoporating aerobics

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A lot of deep breathing helps..(sometimes some eye rolling) Just kidding!!

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