Surgery and Exercise?

[MD Dreams]

This may seem like a silly question, but does one have time to exercise as a surgeon? I'm interested to hear from those who are in residency and also those who are in private practice. And if so, is your exercise routine limited to a quick run or do you find time to lift weights on a regular basis? Thank you.

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[sodium chloride]

This may seem like a silly question, but does one have time to exercise as a surgeon? I'm interested to hear from those who are in residency and also those who are in private practice. And if so, is your exercise routine limited to a quick run or do you find time to lift weights on a regular basis? Thank you.

I am a surgery resident that enjoys exercising. I have good weeks and bad weeks in terms of how many workouts I can get in, but I managed to train for and complete a marathon last fall with a PR. I probably should use the time that I run to read more, but it keeps me sane.

 

[fourthyear]

I can get in quick runs about 4-5 days a week pretty easily. I don't get to the gym anymore (like I regularly did in med school and before that), but I probably could if I found one close to home and if I didn't feel I needed to read so much more than I do in my non-working time. I figure that at least my runs keep me in decent shape - I haven't gained any weight or changed clothing sizes in my almost 2 years of residency so far.

I also believe in walking the stairs instead of the elevators (but I will take the elevators if it's more than a couple floors and it's been a long day/night on call). And I have learned to keep some healthy food options stashed so that I don't have to resort to junk food if I happen to miss the regular cafeteria meal times.

I know several attendings who regularly excercise...I also know a lot who are very fat and out of shape. If you want to exercise, you can make the time.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Its all a matter of prioritizing. I didn't make exercise a priority as an intern because I was tired and in a new relationship so all I wanted to do was to get home to him (and impress him with my cooking skills).

We have a gym on campus and its not unusual for residents, especially the more senior ones to be there with their pagers on, taking calls from the Stair master.

You won't be in the hospital 24/7 and can fit exercise into your schedule if you make it a priority. Perhaps you have to make some changes; rather than running outside, use the treadmills and life cycles and read while running/pedaling away. Wear headphones and listen to board review tapes/CDs while exercising. That should make you feel better about using the time for yourself.

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
I have discovered the utility of finding a deserted stairwell and going up and down. It is my own private "stairmaster" and it is better than no exercise when you are on call. We installed a chin-up bar over the door in our shower room so you can even get some upper body work in when you are on call.

I live in an housing complex that has a 24-hour fitness center complete with whirlpool spa. There is nothing like pumping a little iron at 11pm and taking a soak in the spa before hitting the rack. You can get a workout in if you take the time. Keeping the gym bag in my car is my key. I don't even go home without stopping by the fitness center first.

njbmd 🙂
Not buff but healthy

 

[UI2003]

I was really bad about exercise as an intern but now I have a treadmill in my house and I manage to eek out a few minutes a day on it. Even if I'm about to start an overnight shift, I can run for 15 minutes before I leave the house - that way I've worked out for that day and I can eat a piece of chocolate guilt free 😉