Exercise: Helping or Hurting?

[Daniel]

Hi all.

Do you generally find that exercise helps you symptoms, worsens your symptoms, or does nothing at all.

I generally exercise vigerously 2-4 times per week at the gym. So far I cannot say that it makes me feel worse. I usually feel pretty decent after I get back from the gym.

-Daniel

[kadi]

Hi Daniel,
When I'm well enough to go, gentle yoga classes work very well for me. I stand straighter, feel stronger, sleep better. Walking on flat land (not hills or treadmill) is also okay . The Precor elliptical is sometimes okay .

Exercising in late afternoon is much less likely to cause a flare than morning exercise. My doctors say "Hmm. Weird. Well, then, don't exercise in the morning". So, I don't know why it is that way.

If I'm flaring, it's better for me not to exercise & aggravate it more. But if I'm in my usual IC state (uncomfortable, but not in big pain, and able to wait a few hours between bathroom trips), gentle exercise is very good for me. I wish I could do more, but maybe someday....

I think it's great you can work out-- it will help prevent depression, keep the rest of you healthy AND when they find a cure or you go into remission, you'll be in great shape to make the most of it.

[ICNDonna]

It's important for me to get some exercise. I don't go for the old saying that it doesn't help until it hurts, however. I primarily just take walks.

Donna

[amaris]

Daniel,

Exercise is important for my well being! However, I do approach it similar to Kadi. If in a flare, no exercise or maybe a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, but nothing to make the pain worse. Otherwise, I get in about 3-4 days a week (biking and/or light weights with exercise ball).

Some activities such as running or swimming in a chlorinated pool can make my IC worse, so I don't do them anymore.

[lulu5]

Hi Daniel-
I just recently began exercising again. I am having little pain right now :), so I thought I would go ahead and try. I have been lifting weights, leg presses, squats, low-impact cardio, etc. I think it actually has helped me to feel even better!! The only think I haven't attempted, and I don't think I will...is lower ab work. I still do upper abs, but don't want to risk even being sore down near my bladder! I say if you still feel good after working out-go for it!! It helps keep those endorphins in your brain working too! :)