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Simple at-work exercises for nurses

No time for the gym? You only need a chair and a wall to stay fit and energized while on the job.

Updated on April 26, 2023

a Latina nurse in blue hospital scrubs looks up from her work tablet and smiles
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At the end of a long nursing shift, hitting the gym may sound like the last thing you would want to do. But you don’t have to skip your workout altogether. These exercises are quick and easy ways to add movement to your day. From doing a quick abs workout in a chair to using a wall to tone and strengthen your lower body, these tips will help you firm up and stay energized while at work.

woman stretches arm out
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Warm Up

Any good workout begins with a feel-good stretch to release tension and loosen your muscles. Start by stretching your arms out to the sides, at a level of about two inches below your shoulders. With your palms facing forward and your chin and chest lifted, stretch your arms back. Hold for 20Show More

woman lifts leg while in chair
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Chair Crunches

Tighten those abs with simple chair crunches. Begin from a seated position, with your back straight and arms at your sides. Grip the sides of the seat with your hands for stability. Press your legs together, feet flat on the floor, your knees positioned over your toes. Keeping your feet parallel toShow More

woman stretches crosswise abdomen
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Chair Crunches With A Twist

Got a few more minutes? Work your obliques with a simple seated twist. Starting in the same sitting position as the chair crunches, place your fingers at the sides of your head. Lift your right knee and twist to the right, bringing your left elbow down to meet it. Return to the starting position.Show More

wall stretches
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Wall Pushups

If your upper body could use strengthening, wall pushups re a great place to start. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing a wall. Extend your arms at shoulder height so that your palms touch the wall, fingers pointing upward. Your arms should be straight in the starting position, soShow More

wall squat
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Wall Squats

Work your quads, glutes, and hamstrings with one simple exercise: wall squats. Bend your knees and press your back against the wall as if you’re sitting in a chair. Your legs should be at a 90-degree angle with your knees over your ankles. Distribute the weight evenly through your feet. (AvoidShow More

leg lift
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Leg Lifts

Strengthen your inner thigh muscles with leg lifts. Begin by standing with your weight on your left leg. Extended your right leg about 10 inches in front of you, your toe just resting on the ground. Keeping your weight on your left leg, sweep your right foot to the left, crossing over your toes.Show More

neck stretch
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Release Neck Stress

A lot of tension builds up in the neck even in the best of circumstances, and long hours and stress at work definitely don’t help. Ease tension with this “all ears” neck exercise. Drop your ear down to one shoulder and hold for 10 seconds. If you like, use your hand to gently stretch your headShow More

rest
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Rest Your Mind

Taking care of others is rewarding, but it can take a toll on your body and mind. At the end of your workout, find a quiet place—perhaps a lounge, empty room, or nearby park—to center yourself with deep breathing exercises. Sitting in a chair or, if possible, lying on your back, close your eyes andShow More

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