Fitness

By now you may have already learned that Crohn’s disease symptoms can leave you feeling fatigued and depleted. This can be a challenge to maintaining an exercise regimen or even trying to maintain some level of physical activity. Still, regular exercise can help you stay strong, flexible and positive about your health and well-being.

First, always remember to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program, especially if you're taking medications. Second, again with your doctor’s help, find an activity you enjoy. Just being able to look forward to something can help motivate you to keep doing it.

Before you exercise…

Use the following guidelines to help make exercise enjoyable and symptom-free.

• Avoid solid foods for three hours before aerobic exercise.
• Drink plenty of fluids before and after exercise, especially if you experience diarrhea or ostomy discharge.
• If you exercise regularly, eat plenty of protein and calories in small meals throughout the day.
• If you find that you experience diarrhea or other bowel symptoms during exercise, be sure to plan your activity in a location near a bathroom. Knowing there is a bathroom nearby in case you need it may help you feel more comfortable about exercising. After all, exercise is supposed to help reduce stress, not be the cause of it.

The benefits of exercise

Exercise is beneficial for Crohn’s patients because it reduces stress and depression and even helps normalize bowel function. Aerobic exercises, such as fast walking, swimming, and cycling, stimulate your endorphins, helping you to maintain a positive attitude and keep stress to a minimum. Yoga is another good way to stay in shape and can help you to relax and relieve stress.

Just remember to always talk to your doctor about which exercises are right for you.

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