Working nights and working out.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 24, 2013

When I worked nights, I'd get my workout done in the morning after work.

Nowadays, many gyms are open at very early hours (some as early as 0500 or 0600). There are also gyms that are open 24/7. See if one of these are located near your place of work. Then go straight from work to the gym, get the workout in, and then head home.

limaRN, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2013

OP I have the same problem. I work nights in a busy ICU as well. I've decided that if I must return to work the next night then working out is just not going to happen that day. Sleep is my priority when working so I can make sure I have enough energy to make it through the next night. I will make is a point to work out on my days off- 4 days a week- and that's fine with me.

glencovediva · Jan 24, 2013

Hey y'all. My name is elle. I'm new to this site and I'm having an issue with my workout schedule.
I'm a new nurse working in a very stressful ICU, and I work nights. I'm also a workout-addict. If it were up to me, I'd spend my entire day in the gym! I started working nights about 2 months ago, and have been having a hard time adjusting. I work 12 hours and have a 1 hour commute to and from work everyday. I find myself so exhausted from working that when I wake up in the afternoon I don't have the energy to go to the gym.
Does anyone have any suggestions about what works for them (or others) when it comes to working nights and working out. I feel so guilty not getting to the gym regularly, but I cant' seem to get it together!
elle.

Work out on your days off.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2013

I'm in the same predicament. I just starting nights and I'm having a hard time working out. Even on my days off, I don't have enough energy. I'm going to try to work out after work on my last scheuduled day. I'm going to shoot for 3-4 days a week. Working out everyday is not happening for me.

elleroser · Jan 25, 2013

Thanks everyone for the advice. At this point, working out only on my days off is not ideal. I'm going to try to work out after getting off my shift in the morning and see how that goes. It's possible that after trying this a few times I may not want to work out on the days I work and may change my mind!!

elle.

MBrickle · Jan 25, 2013

I wake up and go but I work 8's, not 12's. my advice would be to go every day you have off and go after your last shift before you have a day off. Could you do a quick 30 minute walk before work? Or check out some in-home DVD's to do like "Insanity?"