As a travel nurse, it’s common to feel so bogged down with work that you neglect your physical health. Even if you have the time, other hurdles like gymtimidation, or the fear of being judged when exercising in public, can pose yet another interference to your fitness goals.
Despite your busy schedule, among other challenges, it’s important to prioritize your physical wellbeing. Keep reading to learn tips for overcoming those hurdles and making exercise a part of your routine.
Gain Confidence
If you plan to exercise in front of others (or even, at times, by yourself), insecurity and anxiety can make you feel unmotivated to get started. To prevent a lack of confidence from getting in the way of your exercise routine, try to give yourself a pep talk.
Remind yourself that other people are focused on their own workouts and that your physical health is worth prioritizing. You deserve to take up space in the gym just as much as everybody else.
Ask for Advice
Don’t know your way around a gym? The confusion and stress can make working out feel more like a burden than self-care.
If you’re unsure about your form or how to use certain equipment, ask a fitness trainer or floor manager for advice. You might feel scared to ask at first, but just think of how empowered you’ll feel with the new knowledge.
If asking a trainer or employee doesn’t feel right, consider turning to a friend or family member who goes to the gym regularly. Ask them for tips on how to use the equipment and how to feel more comfortable at the gym.
Find the Gym for You
When you already have a busy schedule, going to a gym you don’t like will likely be the last thing on your to-do list. Try choosing a gym with features that actually make you want to attend. You’ll want to keep the following considerations in mind:
- Distance from work or home
- Gym culture
- Peak hours
- Business hours
- Fitness classes
If you like the gym you’re visiting, you’ll have more of an incentive to go.
Create an At-home Workout Routine
If you don’t have time to go to the gym, try creating an at-home workout routine you love. Even without all the exercise equipment at a typical gym, you can meet your fitness goals by trying bodyweight workouts.
Great options for at-home exercise include squats, crunches, push-ups, and more. Just be sure to use a mirror to check on your form.
Get a Workout Buddy
Working out alone can sometimes feel unmotivating and scary, especially if you’re newer to a gym. To make yourself more comfortable, bring a friend or coworker to the gym or ask them to go for a jog or hike with you.
With someone else by your side, you can tackle your fitness goals and have a personal cheerleader encouraging you along the way.
It can be tough to make time for your physical health when you’re so busy helping others at work. However, prioritizing your own fitness doesn’t have to be impossible. By dismantling other hurdles to exercise, making regular trips to the gym will feel much more doable.
For more tips and information on overcoming hurdles to exercise, check out the infographic below, courtesy of Tommy John.
Infographic:
We hope you found these tips on how to make exercise more enjoyable on a busy schedule helpful. Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses for making exercise more enjoyable with a busy schedule? Comment them below.
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