Heather Schopper, MD, a head and neck surgeon at Penn State Health, Hershey, Pennsylvania, understands the toll a physically demanding profession can take. Early in her career, she felt the effects firsthand.
“You just want to lie down on the floor at the end of the day,” Schopper explained. “The wear and tear of [the healthcare] profession is really challenging.”
For Schopper, staying physically fit became a priority not just for her health but also for her performance on the job. Athletic Trainers can benefit from the same approach. Prioritizing strength, flexibility, and overall fitness is essential to building resilience and endurance in a career that often requires long hours and physical labor.
“Medicine is unique in its physical demands,” said Meghan Wieser, DPT, a physical therapist at Recharge Health and Fitness in Ellicott City, Maryland. Wieser frequently works with medical professionals and other high-stress careers, observing the toll these environments take on the body.
Athletic Trainers face similar challenges, dealing with those many hours on their feet, moving quickly between athletes, and assisting with strenuous physical rehabilitation. “It’s not just about preventing injury,” Wieser explained. “It’s about building a body that performs better for longer.”
Jordan D. Metzl, MD, a sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and a lifelong athlete, understands the challenge of fitting fitness into a busy schedule.
“The better shape you’re in, the better job you’ll do,” Metzl said. “When the hours get long, being active and in shape makes all the difference.”
This advice applies equally to Athletic Trainers, who often sacrifice their own wellness routines to prioritize their athletes. Schopper suggests incorporating shorter bouts of intentional movement throughout the day:
“You may not be able to fit in 60 minutes every day, but 20–30 minutes of intentional movement is key,” she said. “On days off, prioritize a longer session of something you can’t fit in on workdays.”
Metzl also recommends total body functional training to mimic real-world movement, focusing on core and lower body strength to endure long hours upright. He suggests finding time in the early mornings or weekends for full workouts, while sneaking in shorter “movement snacks” during busy days.
“Bodyweight exercises like planks, pushups, and squats are low-hanging fruit,” said Wieser. “Even 10 minutes can elevate your heart rate and build strength.”
“There are clear negative effects of sleep deprivation,” said Goldman. “When you’re exhausted, you’re more likely to miss something critical.”
Schopper sets firm boundaries for her rest, emphasizing its importance to her overall health. Athletic Trainers can benefit from adopting a similar mindset, aiming for uninterrupted sleep whenever possible or even short power naps during breaks.
Matt Klein, DPT, a professor at George Fox University, advises healthcare professionals to incorporate strength training into their routines. Athletic Trainers, who frequently engage in physical labor, can benefit from lifting weights or using resistance bands to build muscle and prevent injury.
“Strength is a predictor of chronic disease and overall resilience,” Klein said. “Even 20 minutes of heavy strength training can deliver real results.”
Schopper, who took up aerial arts to build her upper body strength, has experienced the long-term benefits of focusing on fitness. “I still have long days, but I’m no longer sore and tired afterward,” she said.
Athletic Trainers may not swing from suspension tools, but finding the right fitness approach to meet their needs can make a big difference in their performance and recovery.
“Being an Athletic Trainer isn’t necessarily good for your health,” Klein said. “But the body can handle the job—if you train for it.”