One of our reasons for not working out as travel nurses is not making it to the gym. Maybe because of distance or time. This is very understandable, but then 100% is your mindset. I suggest using a mat and two dumbbells, and you will be good to go with working out at home, wherever that may be. The excuse of not being able to go to the gym is out the window. With equipment like two dumbbells makes working out so much easier on the road.
Now let’s talk about time!
I know that as busy travel nurses, your free time is precious. However, you do not need to exercise every day. All you need is a minimum of 30 mins/day for 3 days, and you are suitable for a start. Pick a day and time that is realistic and attainable for you. Are you a morning person? If yes, then my advice is to get your exercise in first thing in the morning when you wake up, and you are good to go for the day. Do you love working out in the evening? If yes, then do your workout in the evening but make sure this is attainable.
So now you have your mat, two dumbbells, day and time, what else!
This brings me to the answer mindset. Getting all these is not the problem, but the question is, are you ready? Are you 100% sure? Is your mindset ready? If yes, that is awesome, get to work! If you answer no but are willing 100%, then reach out for help. Start with a coach, which helps with accountability and consistency.
Sign up for challenges
It is a good idea to compete with yourself. You are holding yourself accountable if you do not meet your goals. We are travel nurses. We are busy. But Stop! Think! Ask yourself this question, ‘When was the last time you said you have to start on a journey to fitness and nutrition?’ Probably ‘right now’ is the answer but did you ever get started on that? No. Why? The answer is; because it is commitment and consistency, and that is something we cannot afford or are afraid of.
30 mins is all you need to take care of you
So, why not take care of yourself? No one else can take care of you as you do. It is a healthy habit, and healthful habits are not what we are comfortable with. It comes with pain but remember “a strong body is made in absolute discomfort” until you start seeing results, you will never appreciate what you have.
Confused of what workouts to do?
Why not start working on your upper body on one day and your lower body on another day? Sign up for challenges where the workouts are already planned out for you, and all you need to do is sign up and get to work.
We all know the importance of exercise, and yes, we get our steps in at work. What happens to the days you do not go to work?
I am a travel nurse, and I understand how hard it for us to keep up with our fitness and nutrition, but you can do it if you put your mind to it. Do not let negativity cloud your mind and take control.
Invest in yourself, it is a must!
If you want results, sign up for challenges. I had the same problem until I decided that it was time for me to invest in myself, and that was one of the best decisions I made without regrets.
Let me know in any way I can help. My job as a fitness and empowerment coach is to reach out, especially to my fellow nurses who are willing to embark on a fitness and nutrition journey.
Go follow @datmodernafricanurse on Instagram for more tips.
We hope you found this article on a mat and two dumbbells helpful. It is our hope that you took something away from it.
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