Exercise

[annabel]

Has anyone tried exercise? I have been doing pelvic exercises that my friend showed me, they're sort of like sit ups, and seem to be helping the "tight" feeling I constantly have.

Im also wondering if anyone regularly goes to the gym/swimming? I have been to the gym twice this month, and it really puts pressure on my pelvis/bladder. I'm going swimming tomorrow and really worried about the effect it will have on me. Anyone tried any of these?

[VickiB]

I'm jealous! I wish I had access to a pool somewhere! I have heard some say that chlorinated pool water is problematic with their IC, though that has never been the case with me. Swimming is a great, yet gentle on the joints, form of exercise that i"d like to be able to do regularly.

I stick to an exercise routine (weight training & aerobics) and I believe it is very helpful to me in a number of areas. As far as IC is concerned, I like to think keeping the abdominal muscles toned is beneficial in keeping the everyday stress from activity off of the bladder.

BUT,...I think if one is new to exercise the key is to start slow and build up. -Probably slower than one thinks! Trying to push it can cause more problems than any advantage gained.

Vicki

[marymove]

I am one of those that believe that chlorine from swimming every day actually caused my IC. I do go to the gym 3 x a week and walk every day. I find if I do something physical it gives me a mental break!

[annabel]

THankyou for the advice! I was initially worried that doing too much exercise would be too streneous on my body. I went on holiday for 2 weeks in Summer, and swam quite a lot there, but sometimes it hurts to "stretch out" to swim in the water so it made it quite uncomfortable. Ive been on the meds for a bit longer now, so i'm hoping that it wont be as painful. Sorry to hear that the chlorine gives you a flare, Marymove. I know that in some pools, they use different types of chlorine - perhaps you could find a pool that uses a gentler type and see how it goes for you? I know this because my dad, whos got parkinsons disease, finds that his symptoms are aggravated by the chlorine in our local swimming pool. But when he goes to different pools, he generally feels okay afterwards. He looked into it and turns out the pool that the local pool that aggravates his symptoms uses a very high chlorine concentration, in relation to the other pools! So maybe worth a try for you :)

Vicki- you're definatifly right about slow build up! The first time I went I was in AGONY and braced up the courage to go again - epic fail. Its really put me off going which is why I thought about turning to swimming. Im going to go to the gym again next week, and take a painkiller before I go and take it very slowly this time!

[77amy]

I am one of those that believe that chlorine from swimming every day actually caused my IC. I do go to the gym 3 x a week and walk every day. I find if I do something physical it gives me a mental break!

I have issues with chlorine too! I thought it was just me...
Didn't cause my I.C. but has triggered a flare before.

[songbird7]

I can't go near any kind of swimming pool without flaring from chlorine. However, I do go for short walks for exercise and need to be careful not to over do. I always keep in mind that I have to walk back as well. I've heard that walking is the safest best kind of exercise. I tried walking faster and this is ok for a short time. But I need to take care because I found if I keep up the pace much it will over tire me and flare the IC. Exercize in general, important in moderation. It will actually make me feel better when aware of my limitations.:woohoo:

[ljharris]

Have you guys tried the New Dawn Pilates DVD yet? I just bought it (from the ICN Shop) and am actually watching it right now (so I can't give an informed opinion yet, sorry!). It's specifically designed for people with pelvic pain - the woman who leads the video has IC.

Anyway, I will come back to this thread after I have watched the whole thing and given it a try!

[MiLynn]

Have you guys tried the New Dawn Pilates DVD yet? I just bought it (from the ICN Shop) and am actually watching it right now (so I can't give an informed opinion yet, sorry!). It's specifically designed for people with pelvic pain - the woman who leads the video has IC.

Anyway, I will come back to this thread after I have watched the whole thing and given it a try!

I'd love to hear if you like this video! I've been trying to walk for exercise but have been a little scared to try anything else. A friend just invited me to go to an aerobics class next week with a group of other friends and I'm considering it.

[carm2405]

Hello,

I am considering buying the Pilates dvd New Dawn Pilates and wanted to know if you found it helpful?

Thanks,
CArmela

[vivsmom]

I'm in the early stage of treatment/dx. I have been advised to exercise and not exercise. When I'm tired or flaring I stick to yoga or ellipticycle. When I feel good I run or push the jogging stroller.
Hopefully a body in motion will stay in motion!!
Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks,
Joslyn

"many of life's failure are people who had not realized how close they wher to success when they gave up" T Edison

[kadi]

Recently I've been doing well & have been walking laps around my apartment complex. It's built on a hill and it's 43 stairs to the upper level and 28 down. Today I did 7 laps (about 500 steps per lap). I have a home physical therapy stretching & strengthening program designed for me by a physical therapist, so I did that also. It's hard in the beginning, but gets easier over time. Of course, if I didn't keep quitting exercise, I wouldn't have to keep re-starting, but that's about my job, not my IC. My goal for this next school year is to continue exercising even when I'm tired from working all day.

[Adrien]

Hi annabel,
I do yoga and swimming as they are best to maintain body and weight.
Yoga helps in relieving stress and pain. Yoga increased strength and increase flexibility level in body.
Swimming increase your acrobatic capacity as you use all of your body parts at the same time.

[FunGirl]

I can only swim in a Spring or the Ocean.


I miss swimming so much.


Yoga, Walking, Light weight lifting helps me


:smile tee