Exercise and working out as an anesthesiologist

[pushthesux]

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I know...this is an off-the-wall question, but....

I am curious on how you guys in residency (and out in private practice) make time to work out on a regular basis. Anesthesia is somewhat unlike other specialties in that 5:30 - 6:00 a.m. is going to be the start of the day.

I do a lot better on workouts that I can get up and workout in the mornings, but that would require me getting up a 4:00 a.m. Afternoons have never worked for me because when I get home...I am exhausted.

Any thoughts or advice? Most of you people seem to very well-rounded individuals, so I thought it would not be stupid to ask.

Thanks.

 

[davvid2700]

its definitely hard.. i used to work out a lot.. like you said the mornings are pretty much shot.. My gym opens at 630 am.. Im usually in the OR by then. .And working until 4-5.. SO the useful part of your day is totally shot. You have to work out in the evenings if you wish to work out.. I did when I was a fellow.. I went religiously, however since im out in practice.. its hard to find the time.. its hard to find the time to do anything.. such as car shopping, dmv stuff, bank.. phone calls. So i end up doing a lot of phone calls in the OR.. Its not like i can duck out between cases..

 

[UTSouthwestern]

I know...this is an off-the-wall question, but....

I am curious on how you guys in residency (and out in private practice) make time to work out on a regular basis. Anesthesia is somewhat unlike other specialties in that 5:30 - 6:00 a.m. is going to be the start of the day.

I do a lot better on workouts that I can get up and workout in the mornings, but that would require me getting up a 4:00 a.m. Afternoons have never worked for me because when I get home...I am exhausted.

Any thoughts or advice? Most of you people seem to very well-rounded individuals, so I thought it would not be stupid to ask.

Thanks.

I get up at 4 am every morning, 4:30 at the latest. I just got used to working out in the early morning and it is my coffee for the rest of the day. In fact, I don't use caffeine of any kind any more and haven't for at least 5 years since I started regularly working out in the early morning.

It's worth the effort and adjustment period.

 

[davvid2700]

4 in the am.. that is TFE. gotta find a 24 hour gym.. or buy some equipment..

 

[UTSouthwestern]

4 in the am.. that is TFE. gotta find a 24 hour gym.. or buy some equipment..

It is early, but as I got really into the swing of it, I found I had more energy than ever before and I was able to stay up later without any kind of exhaustion. I still usually go to sleep around 11 pm, get 5-6 hours of sleep, and am still refreshed in the morning, ready to work out and then go to work.

 

[pushthesux]

4 a.m.?? Did you just decide one day to start?? How long was the adjustment period??

Seriously, I think that mornings have to be the time for me. I just find too many excuses in the afternoons/evenings.

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

[Noyac]

Early in the morning is the best. I played baseball in college and the 5:30 am workouts were mandatory before 8 am classes since we practiced all day. I was fresh all day long. I got out of the habit in med school because of the more favorable schedule. It is a bitch to get back in that routine let me tell you. However, now I only do gym workouts in the winter and in the summer I do outdoor type workouts. I have really shyed away from the indoor type workouts since finishing residency all together. Now I mtnbike , kayak, snowboard and yes I do them after work at least 3 of the week days and all weekend long. This private practice life really sucks. Honestly, you just gotta figure out your priorities and find the right job for those priorities. You can have it all, a good practice and a good lifestyle. Is this what you were asking or is it off subject?

 

[aredoubleyou]

I feel so lazy right now.

 

[Lonestar]

me too. i think i will go to sleep right now. looks like a slow day in the preop clinic.

 

[Soon2BENT]

. This private practice life really sucks.

YOu're kidding, right? Otherwise I may find a new career.

 

[Noyac]

YOu're kidding, right? Otherwise I may find a new career.

Totally Kidding! Life is good.

 

[UTSouthwestern]

4 a.m.?? Did you just decide one day to start?? How long was the adjustment period??

Seriously, I think that mornings have to be the time for me. I just find too many excuses in the afternoons/evenings.

Thanks for the replies so far.

Just decided one day that I had to do it or else keep getting fat and die of an MI one day.

 

[Noyac]

Just decided one day that I had to do it or else keep getting fat and die of an MI one day.

Once you do a 4 vessel CABG on a 38 yo, you suddenly get motivated. I must have done 4 CABG's on people below 40 yrs in my 2 yrs in the south. And that was just the ones that I did. YIKES!!!! 😱

 

[ermonty]

I too am a morning warrior. I'm up at 2a, hit the gym 3-5a, at work by 6a - until....

It took a week or so to get used to it, but now I love the AM workouts. The only problem is there is NO ONE around to spot me. A couple of time I've come close to getting that 225 stuck on my chest....DOH!

Morning workouts are definitely for me, but I'm still a student and my schedule keeps changing which SUCKS! They tell me that my next rotation (G.I. Surg.) that I'm gonna have to get to work by 4a. That means I'm gonna have to get up at MIDNIGHT, workout 1-3a!! 😡

(clicking my heels) "There's no place like Anesthesia, there's no place like Anesthesia...."

 

[pushthesux]

I can say for sure that getting up at 2 a.m. is not gonna happen, but I would have to get up at 4 a.m. to workout AND get to work by 5:30. But, that means I'd need to get in bed by 9 p.m. just to get 7 hours....which I need right now.

Do you need less sleep and have more energy during the day once you are 2-3 weeks into a workout?? I hope so.

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Once you do a 4 vessel CABG on a 38 yo, you suddenly get motivated. I must have done 4 CABG's on people below 40 yrs in my 2 yrs in the south. And that was just the ones that I did. YIKES!!!! 😱

That was almost me. I had chest pains one night in the medical school lab, while downing my usual concoction of chocolate bars, Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, and whatever else sweet I could bring along to fuel the brain. Went to the ER, found myself in A fib, converted after I thumped myself on the chest (no kidding, but don't do that), went home and did some hard thinking.

Realized I didn't want to be 250 pounds with 100 of it being in my belly and ass. Went on a pseudo Atkins diet, started with the early morning workouts, cut out caffeine, sweets, excess carbs and went down to 170 within 8 months. Probably could have kept going but everyone told me I looked like a skeleton so bulked up to 190 and have stayed between 190-200 ever since. It is well worth the effort. You feel both physically and mentally refreshed when you work out consistently. You hate it at first but eventually, you can't believe you didn't do it from the get go.

 

[Pir8DeacDoc]

I would say that the first few weeks of working out are the hardest. Once you get in the routine, it's like UT said above, you'll wonder why you didn't do it all the time. It really can make you feel great about yourself. The results don't come overnight but they will be there and others will notice more than you will.

All that being said, I'm a person that enjoys a nice after dinner workout. That's been fine during med school but we'll see how the works in residency.

 

[pushthesux]

Thanks guys for the replies. It definitely requires a total lifestyle change...which is why it is so hard.

There are so many things in my life that would change for the better IF I COULD JUST STICK TO A PROGRAM OF DIET/EXERCISE....better mood, better attitude, better physician, better marriage, etc....

After just turning off NBC's The Biggest Loser (not the best show, but definitely motivating after watching people totally changing their lives), I think I am going to start. Not that any one of you people care...but, I'll let you guys know if I make it this time.

Thanks again for the thoughtful replies.

 

[lvspro]

There are so many things in my life that would change for the better IF I COULD JUST STICK TO A PROGRAM OF DIET/EXERCISE....better mood, better attitude, better physician, better marriage, etc....

I can attest to this.
I had a few dry mo's of not working out, and I know for a fact that when I workout I'm much sharper at the hospital. I just feel like I'm so far ahead of the game after I get past the .5 hr. But I'll tell ya, that .5 hr is gonna be the longest 30 min of the day. Anyhow, when I workout, I just have a tendency to eat better too, and that makes me feel even better about myself. With all this, it gives creedence to the old saying "you can't love others if you don't love yourself'" b/c my woman usually lets me know that I need to get into the gym b/c I'm overly grouchy, or cranky... and she's usually right... emphasis on usually, b/c sometimes I gotta get on her to get to the gym to burn the monkey off her back.


I like run-on sentences. 😀

 

[militarymd]

I've never been able to work out in the morning. I bring my gym clothes, and if I get out at a reasonable hour, I go work out.

5 miles on the treadmill.....then weights for 30 to 45 minutes.

My associates are fat, out of shape slugs....and it shows in their work.

 

[jetproppilot]

I've never been able to work out in the morning. I bring my gym clothes, and if I get out at a reasonable hour, I go work out.

5 miles on the treadmill.....then weights for 30 to 45 minutes.

My associates are fat, out of shape slugs....and it shows in their work.

Mil speaks the truth.

Muscles make you feel good, look good, and work good.

I've found time to work out through med school, at a Flinstone gym at U of Miami on lunch breaks; residency....no matter what time I got off, if the gym was open I was there; and private practice....a little less cult like, but maintaining, nonetheless.

Read it and weap, couch potatoes.

 

[Laryngospasm]

I go post call, on weekend days off, and any time during the week when I get out by five, take some days off when I need to.

 

[Noyac]

Mil, the only thing fat on that avatar is that back tire. Nice. Damn, I wish I still had my CBR.

Jet, looking good man. Is that Destin I see in the background?

 

[jetproppilot]

Mil, the only thing fat on that avatar is that back tire. Nice. Damn, I wish I still had my CBR.

Jet, looking good man. Is that Destin I see in the background?

Actually its Anna Maria Island which is close to the Bradenton/Sarasota area....just south of Tampa.

Had a CBR, huh Noyac? Mil's making us look bad. We're in the Has-Been Crotch Rocket Club, and ole Mil's scratchin' his peg around a mountain!

 

[militarymd]

Killboy took took that Avatar about a month ago. The little picture just doesn't do the sparks coming off my pegs any justice 🙂

 

[supahfresh]

Killboy took took that Avatar about a month ago. The little picture just doesn't do the sparks coming off my pegs any justice 🙂

Hey Mil, how'd you get the bike all super slanty like that? it looks like you're about to fall over.

 

[zippy2u]

I keep my weight in check at 70 kgs. (5'-9") by smokin' cigs and drinkin' expresso at every opportunity I can get. Still able to run 3 miles at a clip. Yada, yada cholesterol yada yada diet -- It's all genetics, don't let them kid you. ---Zippy

 

[chicamedica]

Thanks guys for the replies. It definitely requires a total lifestyle change...which is why it is so hard.

There are so many things in my life that would change for the better IF I COULD JUST STICK TO A PROGRAM OF DIET/EXERCISE....better mood, better attitude, better physician, better marriage, etc....

After just turning off NBC's The Biggest Loser (not the best show, but definitely motivating after watching people totally changing their lives), I think I am going to start. Not that any one of you people care...but, I'll let you guys know if I make it this time.

Thanks again for the thoughtful replies.

Awww, we care!!! I'm trying to get into a better routine as well myself, now that I have some direction on correcting a running injury that has been plaguing me for a few years. So go us!! 👍

I'm also someone who hasn't been able to work out in the AM (i've tried) and prefers late afternoon/evening workouts. If I get up early enough to do something before work, I'd rather spend that time learning something, since my mind is sharpest in the AM (if i'm not sleep deprived). So, I'll be following militarymd's example. 😀

Wow ERmonty!! 2 am! When do you go to bed? This is almost like working a night shift or something.

 

[pushthesux]

Wanted to try mornings, so I set my alarm for 4 a.m. this morning. Believe it or not...I woke up at 3:55 on my own. Worked out and definitely felt more energized today....we'll see if I can make it another 2 weeks because I know the next 3-4 days are going to be tough.

Thanks for the good posts everyone....besides the dude that said it was all genetics. No love for you.

 

[jetproppilot]

That was almost me. I had chest pains one night in the medical school lab, while downing my usual concoction of chocolate bars, Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, and whatever else sweet I could bring along to fuel the brain. Went to the ER, found myself in A fib, converted after I thumped myself on the chest (no kidding, but don't do that), went home and did some hard thinking.

Realized I didn't want to be 250 pounds with 100 of it being in my belly and ass. Went on a pseudo Atkins diet, started with the early morning workouts, cut out caffeine, sweets, excess carbs and went down to 170 within 8 months. Probably could have kept going but everyone told me I looked like a skeleton so bulked up to 190 and have stayed between 190-200 ever since. It is well worth the effort. You feel both physically and mentally refreshed when you work out consistently. You hate it at first but eventually, you can't believe you didn't do it from the get go.

GEEZ UT!!!

Had the same experience during residency....but I guess was due to stress...at the time I ate TOTALLY clean...turkey meat out of the package, skim milk out of the jug...my diet resembled the diet of a professional bodybuilder. No sweets, no alcohol, no splurging....looking back, I don't think I could replicate it.

So back to the story, I'm at Texas Heart circa 1995, Friday, do my routine 3 CABGs, leave the hospital, drive to the friend's house I was staying at for the 3 month stent, she's not home. Turn on the TV, start eating my professional bodybuilder-like dinner, and I start feeling a fluttering in my chest. Nothing overwhelming, just a difference. No chest pain, no SOB, etc. I was 31 years old or so. Radial pulse feels like about 110-120/min...do some Valsalvas, no difference.
I eat my dinner, watch a little tube, friend still isnt home from work, so I go to bed. Restless sleep.

Next morning, Saturday, I'm not on call, but still have this weird feeling in my chest...so I drive to St Lukes around 0830, mosey up th the OR, go into a room, put myself on the monitor...WTFFFFFFF?????? Rate is like 170-180.

Call the operator, ask for the cardiology fellow on call. Page him.

Cardiology Fellow: "Hey, Dr. Ime-gonna-cath-you, returning a page?"

Me: "Hey Dude, this is Bill, I'm an anesthesia resident here, and I'm in A-fib with rapid ventricular response. I'm sitting in OR 6...can you come down and take a look at this?"

"I'll be there in less than five minutes."

Dude shows up. Super nice guy. Sees my rate and rhythm.

"Bill, we may have to cardiovert you."

Dude calls his attending.

Attending: "Is he athletic?"

Fellow: Yes.

Attending: "Don't worry about it. Send him home."

Dude explains to me his attending says this is transient and we don't have to intervene.

I asked Dude for a prescription for 1 vreapamil 10mg, he wrote it, I took it, and that was the end of the A-fib. That was 10+ years ago and I havent seen A-fib since.

I'm glad Dude's attending told him not to zap me, cuz he was ready to pull a Frankenstein on my ass.

BTW, THREE other residents during my tenure at Tulane had A-fib incidents.

Hey Mil, whaddya make of this A-fib sh-it?

 

[militarymd]

Must be Tulane....something in the water causing A-fib....remember the 1st Bushes...they all had thyroid problems...even the dog...must be the water.

Supa....I was turning really hard on my bike.

 

[jetproppilot]

Must be Tulane....something in the water causing A-fib....remember the 1st Bushes...they all had thyroid problems...even the dog...must be the water.

Supa....I was turning really hard on my bike.

I'd love to believe that theory but

1)I was in Houston at the time, near UT Jedi's old stomping grounds.

2)I've never drank the water in New Orleans.

Cmon Mil, you're the critical care OG here, gimme something better than that!


Jet: "Uhh, Doc, I'm in A-fib."

Mil: "It's the water you're drinking. Stop drinking the water. That'll be three C-notes. You can pay on your way out. I take American Express."

 

[militarymd]

Mil: "It's the water you're drinking. Stop drinking the water. That'll be three C-notes. You can pay on your way out. I take American Express."

For a friend, on 2 C-notes for bad advice 😀

 

[jetproppilot]

For a friend, on 2 C-notes for bad advice 😀

CMON DUDE!!! YOU WONT SEE ME FOR INSURANCE ONLY????

 

[jetproppilot]

Killboy took took that Avatar about a month ago. The little picture just doesn't do the sparks coming off my pegs any justice 🙂

Next step is the knee-scrapy-thinghy...man, you watch the pros and they're literally hanginging WAY off the bike in curves....with their patella on the pavement sticking out like an elbow....then WAY over the other side for an opposite curve.....looks like they're jumping across the bike...never sitting still

 

[Noyac]

I just finished a my workout 😱 .

 

[jetproppilot]

I just finished a my workout 😱 .

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA

That computer-enhanced dude would take down Ronnie Coleman in the Mr Olympia in 2 seconds flat!

 

[etherRN]

We're in the Has-Been Crotch Rocket Club, and ole Mil's scratchin' his peg around a mountain!

priceless!

 

[ThinkFast007]

a friend of mine pointed this out. ever noticed that a great many of Gas Docs have a limp? It's really interesting. I know two attendings that are anesthesiologists that walk with a limp, a severe one. Could it be from the sitting?

secondly....really weird stuff.

i was reading about how Nitric oxide can cause atrophy of testes, apraxia, and ataxia! i was like It was apparently first noticed by a neurologist who had many dentists w/ these same s/s coming in to see him

should i have kids now, before residency

lol i bring these topics up cuz of the AFIB thing

 

[jetproppilot]

a friend of mine pointed this out. ever noticed that a great many of Gas Docs have a limp? It's really interesting. I know two attendings that are anesthesiologists that walk with a limp, a severe one. Could it be from the sitting?

secondly....really weird stuff.

i was reading about how Nitric oxide can cause atrophy of testes, apraxia, and ataxia! i was like It was apparently first noticed by a neurologist who had many dentists w/ these same s/s coming in to see him

should i have kids now, before residency

lol i bring these topics up cuz of the AFIB thing

Dude,
I havent seen nitric oxide since residency.

Not a prevalent treatment.

Go ahead and delay the marriage.