EXERCISE: IS IT STILL
POSSIBLE WITH IBD?
When you are diagnosed or living with Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
your exercise outlook may seem bleak. But that isn’t the way it has to be.
Exercise is a very important part of any healthy individual’s routine. Though it may be
difficult to imagine yourself exercising with your symptoms, hitting the gym should still be
just as important as it was before your diagnosis.
Not only is exercise a great stress reliever, it can help with those painful cramps that
often come with flare ups. On days when your symptoms are worse than others, getting
motivated to get your day started can seem daunting. Let those negative thoughts and
feelings motivate you. Don’t overdo it on flare days, but do try to not fall into a funk. Walk
at a slow pace on the treadmill, lift light weights with your arms, or simply stretch out on
a mat.
For some, exercise is an escape and a chance to begin a new adventure, regardless
of their IBD severity. “I’m biking from London to Paris and summiting to the 3 highest
peaks in Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in just 24 hours because I have IBD. This
whole doing stuff because of IBD is becoming addictive,” said Tom Hough of the Chronic
Adventurer.
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