Top 3 Exercises to Help Healthcare Workers
The healthcare industry is one of the most physically demanding industries for its workers. The physical pressure in assisting with the transportation of patients is a regular activity in the industry, as is the daily handling of healthcare equipment. To prevent injuries on the job, it’s important to maintain your fitness level and use equipment as professionally recommended.
Discover our top 3 recommended exercises that will help build your fitness level, so you can not only work to the best of your ability in the ward but ensure injury prevention in the workplace.
- Stretching is EssentialBefore your shift begins, you should stretch to loosen up your body and warm up your muscles. The vigorous and demanding nature of the industry will require you to use your body in many different ways. Whether it’s lifting patients that need to be transferred or adjusting bathing equipment to ensure your patients are comfortable, there will be plenty of lifting and bending throughout the workday. Since your body is continually moving throughout the day, don’t forget to stretch your back, neck and arms so you can prepare yourself for whatever is coming next.
- Core is Key
Your core is more than just your abdominal muscles, it is the foundation of your body. If your core is strong, your body is strong. To maintain endurance and to develop stability and strength, you must build your core. Think of it this way: a plank a day keeps the doctor away! Planks are one of our favourite core exercises that help to build strength and stability. To do a plank, get into a push-up position and hold. You can begin with 30 seconds and over time, we recommend that you work your way up as your strength increases. - Cardio
It’s all about endurance and stamina. You’re on your feet all day, sometimes for hours on end, attending to multiple patients and preparing several types of equipment. This physical effort not only requires energy but prolonged energy. To prevent physical exhaustion, you have to train your body to get used to this. Building up your cardio might sound tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. Give that early morning jog a miss and join a kickboxing or body-pump class at your local gym. Anything that gets you sweating should do the job!
Proper use of healthcare equipment
Ultimately, while exercising and building your physical strength is extremely beneficial and will highly assist with your endurance on the job, the correct use of healthcare equipment is supremely vital. As a healthcare worker, it is your responsibility to adhere to the proper use of all healthcare equipment as recommended to ensure prevention of possible injuries. Ensure that you are lifting and appropriately adjusting equipment and that you never overexert your body.
Look after yourself
The healthcare industry can be tough. Prioritising your fitness and physical ability, coupled with ensuring you receive a good amount of rest, is crucial to prevent injuries. Furthermore, you must be using all healthcare equipment appropriately. Never hesitate to ask a question if you are unsure.
If you have any questions about improving your exercise routine, contact one of our specialists at CHS Healthcare today.
