Being a nurse can be hectic and sometimes physically demanding. Every healthcare facility requires you to lift, turn, or transfer patients on a regular basis. It’s important that nurses stay active and maintain strength so they are able to fulfill their job responsibilities efficiently and safely.
Exercise plays an essential role in any profession but it is particularly crucial for nurses since it enables them to build physical capacity needed for daily tasks associated with their role in the healthcare industry. In this post, we will discuss different types of workout exercises that every nurse needs to do in order to stay safe while delivering quality care from shift-to-shift.
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Cardiovascular Exercises
Card exercises are essential for nurses since they help build endurance, improve heart health, and increase stamina. These activities can include running or jogging, biking, swimming, or even just walking. Doing these exercises regularly will help you stay energized throughout your shift and assist with carrying out physical tasks required in the workplace.
The best way to get started is by gradually increasing your intensity level and frequency of activity. Find an exercise plan that fits your lifestyle and stick to it. You can also add interval training, which alternates between periods of high and low-intensity exercise.
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Core Exercises
Core exercises are essential because they help to strengthen the core muscles that support your spine, such as your abdominals (abs), obliques, and lower back. A strong core is important for nurses since it helps to protect the spine and reduce fatigue when lifting or transferring patients. Core exercises can include crunches, planks, bridges, squats, and lunges. For best results, include a variety of core exercises into your routine and go for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. Some online nursing programs also offer core strength classes which focus on this area. The classes are great for nurses who have a hard time motivating themselves to stay active.
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Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility exercises help to improve range of motion, reduce muscle tension and soreness, and aid in the prevention of injuries. These activities can include stretching, yoga, or tai chi. It is important to note that flexibility exercises should be done gently and slowly. Holding each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds is a good starting point, but you can increase your duration as your flexibility improves. It is important to talk with your doctor first before doing any type of exercise or stretching routine.
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Balance Exercises
Balance exercises are great for improving coordination, reflexes, and stability. These exercises can include standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe in a straight line. You can also use balance boards, balance discs, and wobble cushions to challenge your balance further. Balance exercises are especially important for nurses since having good balance helps them stay safe when performing tasks such as lifting and transferring patients. Aim for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions per exercise and increase the duration or intensity as your balance improves.
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Weight Loss Exercises
If you are looking to lose weight, then it is important to include resistance training into your weekly routine. Resistance exercises help to build muscle and burn fat. These activities can include bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and planks. You can also use weights or machines at the gym if you prefer. The key to successful weight loss is to find an exercise plan that fits your lifestyle and stick to it. You should consider three to four days of resistance training per week with eight to 12 repetitions per set.
The above exercises are essential for nurses in order to stay safe and energized while delivering quality care from shift-to-shift. Incorporating these activities into your routine will help you stay healthy and fit, so that you can continue providing the best possible care to your patients.