General exercise

[SignorSteve]

Hi folks!

Im just wondering whether going to the gym regularly will help my stomach?
Will the effect on my metabolism increase the chances of my gut getting healthier?

Cheers
Steve

 

[ameslouise]

I don't know if it will HELP.... but it probably won't hurt. Just take it easy and don't push yourself too hard at first.

If you are on steroids, you should be doing weight-bearing exercise to combat any effects of bone loss.

Remember - moderation!

- Amy

 

[CDDad]

I would say no. I tried to stay active (lifting weights, running) throughout my 20 year illness, but it never helped the Crohn's at all. In fact, the Crohn's symptoms would always interfere at some point (due to anemia, diarrhea, etc) and curtail my activity.

It's hard to workout when you have no energy! But now that I'm in remission (from surgery), I have tons of energy and workout 5 days a week.

 

[PeninsulaLil]

Who knows in the long run what helps or not with Crohn's? It just seems to have a mind of its own! That said, for me, working out at the gym has become essential, the worse my Crohn's gets.

1. It's a proved fact that exercise helps with immediate stress as well as increasing your ability to deal with stress in the future.

2. Last year I signed up to walk a 1/2 marathon fundraiser for CCFA. For the first 2 months I missed weekly trainings about every other week due to Crohn's flares, pain, vomiting. Things went a little better for the 3rd month and of course two days before the race, I had a fatigue/vomiting episode. The day of the race I was in pain and just figured I'd walk until I couldn't. In my fanny pack, I had energy chewies, sunscreen, anti-nausea medication and an extra pair of underwear. Around mile 8 the pain stopped and I actually finished the race! Out of a field of 2,500 I was the very last person to cross the finish line!

When I can, I get to the gym and exercise. Sometimes I can't due to pain or fatigue. Other times I go anyway and often I don't notice the pain for the 30 or 40 minutes I'm working out. I have never felt worse after going to the gym.

Not sure if exercise has an effect on the Crohn's but it has a definite positive effect on me!

Lilly

 

[prettykitty]

Not sure if it's been helping my Crohn's -- mine is pretty well-controlled -- but it's certainly not making it any worse. I re-joined the gym in January and have been working out 5 days a week; I've certainly noticed an improvement in my overall well-being! I just feel good in general.

 

[MADiMarc]

I use the gym 2 times per week just for wt-bearing. I have been on mega doses of steriods and bone loss is a real problem for me. The rest of the time I walk or if the weather is bad, I do yoga (or my version of it!).
Just don't overdo and you should be fine. I picked my gym based on how clean the bathrooms were!
Michele

 

[bkbigfish]

working out will make you feel better overall! I work out and ride mtn bikes 30-70 miles 3-5 times a week. This doesn't help the crohns but overall makes your body better. Often times I pushed through the pain as this Crohns wont tell me what I can do! well sometimes it does, but I try my best! Billy

 

[SignorSteve]

Thanks for all the feedback folks.

Much appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Mike C]

It helps my joints tremendously

 

[supercellbaebe]

To be honest, if you actually ENJOY using the gym it will always do you good, because enjoying yourself released endorphins, which basically heal!

But if you go to the gym to keep fit, yet find it a boring chore, its of no benefit to you at all. In fact its probably worse for you than NOT going.

I hated the gym when I forced myself into going. I used to dread going because it was such an awful atmosphere and so boring, but I love Yoga and outdoors adventure activities, which are quite different.

Just do what makes you feel happy and well, you can't go wrong then! :wink:

And never overdo the exercise either, you have to be really tuned into your body at first and its easy to overdo it. But you'll get the hang of it!

:goodluck:
xxx

 

[semicolon306]

I workout daily and find it helps me to feel better. I am sure that is to do with also eating better and taking the proper supplements. Just know your limits and try not to push them.