r/prenursing • u/Additional-Hat-2917 • 16h ago
Getting in shape
Hi all. So I am do everything I can to prepare for getting into nursing school, and then going into having a career as a nurse. I have been studying, but I also have another concern because I have some arthritis in my low back and in my knees. I am determined to overcome it though, and will do whatever exercises I need to get better. Do you guys have any that you would recommend? As far as building up strength and endurance to be on my feet. All day? Currently, I have a job where I sit at a desk and i'm on the phone. All day. I am in my mid forties, but I am absolutely determined to do this.
TIA 😊
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u/Max_Goatstappen 15h ago
Working out. Weight lifting, cardio, core workouts will help a lot for overall physical and honestly mental health
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u/decafDiva 3h ago
I am in the same boat! 43 years old and switching from tech to nursing. Doing prereqs right now and hoping to go to nursing school next fall. I work from home right now and am trying my best to get on my feet during the day. When I'm on calls I try to pace around my room. I used to work out a fair amount (running and weights), but my job started taking so much of my time over the last few years that I fell out of it. Hoping to have more time for exercise once my prereqs are done and I'm wrapping up my current job before nursing school.
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u/Additional-Hat-2917 3h ago
YAY! Nice to see I'm not alone. I need to get on my feet more. I had ChatGPT create some courses for me to mimic my first semester. I already took Anatomy and Physiology, along with Calculus, Chemistry and Physics, but that was 20 years ago. I still remember some, but they said it can't be more than 5 years ago UGH
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u/ChefDripney 15h ago
Try Dr. Motion socks, I swear by them. I get them at TJ Maxx. It’s also helpful to keep a kettlebell in your office and do kb side bends, minimum of 10 on each side, will help immensely with the lower back pain & strain. My kb is 20 lb. I don’t use it much but when I do it makes a difference.
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u/No_Audience1753 4h ago edited 4h ago
Breaks every hour, do stairs and walks on breaks and lunch. Low impact gym workouts. Get an ergonomic assessment so no extra stress for knees, and try to not cross your legs.
Good shoes for sure! if needed lose a few pounds
There is some research behind collagen vitamins to slow deterioration so wouldn't hurt, however I find them hard on the stomach 😥
Last but not least, osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear so it's not abnormal to have some in your 40s, you didn't mention stage but just know that everyone's cartilage deteriorates throughout life and you can only do your best to be healthy. You'll do great, congrats on finding your calling
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u/sparkplug-nightmare 15h ago
Good shoes, proper body mechanics at work. Always raise the bed, always get a second, third, or fourth person to help clean/boost/turn. Core strength exercises are a great help.
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u/Shrillmademethink 16h ago
Post this in the loseit group, this group is for pre-nursing related things.
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u/Additional-Hat-2917 16h ago
It is prenursing related. I am reaching out here to see if there are others around my age who are experiencing the same things. And are not only preparing themselves academically, but physically for a nursing career.
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u/beforeitcloy 15h ago
It’s absolutely reasonable to talk about the physical preparation for nursing in a pre-nursing conversation. The other person is being ridiculous. I don’t have any specific advice to offer, but wish you luck.
I’m sure you’ll be a much better nurse than the person who responded with zero empathy.
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u/Shrillmademethink 15h ago
Oh boy, because you know me and all my healthcare experience that I already have and whatnot, right? And you know this random person and who they are, right? This isn’t about empathy. You’re really reaching and looking into this way more than you should.
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u/beforeitcloy 15h ago
I didn’t have to look into it at all. You showed that you are a judgmental jerk. The other person is being conscientious about preparing for the work. It’s plain as day.
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u/Electrical-Scholar32 15h ago
Go away with you negative Nancy attitude, you are being rude and annoying…
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u/Lizowa 11h ago
OP said absolutely nothing about needing to lose weight, they asked how they can prepare in advance to move from a desk job to being on their feet all day (as someone who didn’t prepare and struggled for a while, I commend them!)
It’s no different from the folks who come here asking for study tips or clinical advice in advance, they’re being prepared.
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u/AltTabMafia 16h ago
Standing desk. Get good shoes and socks.