Workouts You Can Do Between Shifts in Winter
Winter assignments can make staying active challenging for healthcare travelers. Short days, cold weather, and limited gym access can disrupt routines, especially after long shifts or overnight schedules. Still staying fit during winter assignments is possible with a little creativity and flexibility. You don’t need a full gym or long workout sessions to support your physical and mental health while on the road. Here are some quick, effective workouts to help you stay active this winter.
Bodyweight Exercises
Bodyweight workouts are one of the easiest ways to stay active while traveling. Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks require no equipment and can be done anywhere. Try a simple circuit; 30 seconds per move, repeated three to four times, for a full-body workout in just 15-20 minutes. These exercises help maintain strength, balance, and endurance during physically demanding shifts.
Resistance Band Workouts
Resistance bands are lightweight, affordable, and easy to pack. They allow you to add strength training without bulky equipment. Use bands for rows, shoulder presses, lateral walks, bicep curls, and core rotations. Resistance training supports joint health and helps prevent muscle imbalances that can develop during long hours on your feet.
Indoor Cardio
When outdoor conditions don’t allow for an outdoor workout, indoor cardio is a great alternative. Jumping jacks, high knees, stair climbs, shadowboxing, or even a quack dance in your temporary housing can elevate your heart rate. Short cardio sessions, like 5 to 10 minutes at a time, can improve cardiovascular health and boost energy between shifts.
Yoga and Stretching
Cold temperatures and long workdays can leave muscles tight and sore. Short yoga flows or targeted stretching sessions can improve flexibility, reduce stress, and support recovery. Focus on the hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and lower back areas that tend to hold tension after long shifts.
Mini Walks Between Shifts
Walking is an underrated but effective way to stay active. Even a 10-minute walk during breaks or after work can improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and clear your mind. Hospital corridors, nearby neighborhoods, or indoor walking paths can all provide opportunities to move, regardless of the weather.
Core and Mobility Finishers
Adding a few minutes of core and mobility work can make a big difference. Exercises like dead bugs, bird dogs, pelvic tilts, and spinal mobility drills help protect your back and improve posture. These small additions can support long-term mobility and reduce the risk of injury.
Staying active during winter assignments doesn’t require perfection or long workouts. Consistent movement, even in short sessions, can support energy levels, reduce stress, and help you feel your best throughout your assignment. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Cold weather, warm routines, and a great next assignment? Sounds like a win. Browse current travel healthcare opportunities on the TNAA | TotalMed job board and see what’s next for you.
