Maintaining a workout routine can be challenging as a travel nurse. After spending hours on your feet during your travel nurse assignment, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when you go home—we get it. On top of that, access to your usual gym or a familiar bike route won’t be available in a new city.
So, what’s a travel nurse to do?
Implementing an exercise plan is essential for travel nurses to prioritize. It can be difficult to stick to a consistent routine, but with a little pre-planning, there are plenty of ways to get some exercise in and stay fit while completing your travel nurse contract—you don’t even have to leave your residence! Here are five workouts for travel nurses that you can take on the road with you to stay refreshed and ready to go.
1. Yoga
Yoga for travel nurses is a great way for travelers to relieve stress and any tension they have from their shift. You can choose different yoga styles depending on your desired intensity and duration—from tough, sweat-it-out workouts to relaxing sessions and quick wind-downs before you go to bed. You can complete a quick class right from the comforts of your home with extensive options online. If you’re inclined to practice with others, finding a yoga studio almost anywhere you decide to travel is easy.
2. Bodyweight Training
The best thing about bodyweight training as a travel nurse is that you do not need any equipment or even a gym pass. Classes, in-person or online, use various tools and techniques to help you get stronger. Some additional benefits of bodyweight training are high output with low input, better balance and flexibility, and control over the variety of workouts. You’ll be surprised how incorporating bodyweight training in your day will not only make you feel physically stronger but mentally tough too–key components for thriving in the travel nursing industry.
Maintaining a strong body will ensure your ability to keep up your travel nursing job for many years to come.
3. HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is another excellent form of exercise to get you moving while you’re away on your travel nursing assignment. It might sound intimidating with 100% effort for short intervals and brief rest periods. However, you can still do it at your own pace and build the intensity over time. If you’re looking to work up a sweat, these workouts are styled to keep your heart rate up and burn more calories in less time. Trying a few HIIT routines can help you gain muscle, improve oxygen consumption, reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and lower your blood sugar.
4. Running
Running is a classic cardio workout you don’t need much equipment for—just a good pair of running shoes. This is one of the best ways to get acquainted with your new location and explore the city, and it’s the perfect way to find popular running routes in your area and places you might not otherwise visit.
Riding a bike is also a simple addition to your travel nurse workout. Today, most cities are very bike-friendly, making bicycling a safe, simple, and pleasant way to get some fresh air and engage your legs. If your facility is close by, this could be an easy transition for commuting.
5. Free Style
Travel nursing allows nurses to try new things, including new ways to be active! Many fitness classes are available that involve different activities that are all challenging and fun. Not only is it a great way to try something new or continue a passion, but it’s also a chance to meet people with similar interests and make new friends.
There’s no wrong or right way to exercise, as long as you’re moving. If you prefer to work out in a formal gym setting, consider getting a membership at a gym chain that offers locations across the country. This way, your membership will be useful no matter where you go. Adventurous travel nurses can search for mountain or rock climbing and popular hiking trails. Talking to locals can help you find new hobbies to take up—there are so many options.
As a travel nurse, your job focuses on the wellness and care of others—so taking care of yourself often falls by the wayside. Having a few go-to exercise routines can help lower stress levels, improve sleep, and motivate you. Travel nursing can be challenging and a little hectic, so good fitness becomes even more important. To get the most out of your workout routine, pair it with healthy snacks for peak performance. If you’re ready to find your new destination and try some of the workouts we listed above, view our available travel nurse jobs in the top travel nurse locations to get started! If you’re looking for a little extra help, reach out to our travel nurse agency for a helping hand.
