resistance bands, and a ring. It really works on toning your entire body without any
intense cardio, which is wonderful for me. It’s the perfect balance of everything,” Kristin
shares.
Having access to a gym that can help cater to your specific health needs is always a plus.
“I still end up sweating and incredibly sore the next day, but I’m not doubled over and
worn down like other exercise ends up doing to me, which ends up being more stressful
for my body. Pilates routines are also easy to find on the internet, which makes it easy to
follow along on your iPad or computer from your bedroom floor,”
said Kristin.
If you can’t muster up the strength to leave
your house but don’t want to spend the whole
day feeling guilty about not exercising, pick up
some of your favorite exercise DVD’s and play
them on your computer or iPad. Even stretching
is considered an exercise!
Check out the lower key classes your gym
has to offer. Yoga is a great option for patients
with IBD. The relaxing vibes of the classes
can help de-stress and help you focus on rest.
Getting out of the bed or even out of the
house is what’s important. Emma, author of
My Beauti ful, Messy Life, has used yoga to
help herself ease into a new lifestyle. “With
yoga, it’s not about being good or the best.
It’s about doing something for your body and
mind. Just as there’s no crying in baseball,
there’s no vanity in yoga. I’m capable of doing
so much more than I could when I began to
practice [yoga]. It’s something I can feel proud
of, especially when my body has been pushed to the brink with my illness”, Emma shares
in her blog.
For Kristin, teaching her Pilates classes is where she finds her break from running
to the bathroom. “I go in every class dreading what might happen, but my body has
politely given me a break for that hour and let me teach each time. Mentally, I am
terrified walking into that class, because I never know what is going to happen. UC is
so unforgiving and surprising with its symptoms. I love getting feedback about how
challenging the class was; I know that I not only pushed myself, but pushed my class as
well. I want to give my class the best workout possible, and I’m not going to let UC
stop that.”
Start your day with a healthy choice for breakfast; a bad food choice can be a deal
breaker when you’re trying to get yourself up and at ‘em. A lactose free smoothie with a
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