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Working out Question....

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/29/2010 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
What type of work outs do you all do?  I have been walking some, although not very far distances (about 10 min. 3 times a day).  I know they say working out is one of the better things to do for stress and crohns,  however I find it painful and honestly I am not in shape. I am hoping to get a few ideas from you all to help me get started.  My doctors say walk, walk, walk!
Posted 6/29/2010 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I can't do much cause of worn out and badly needing to be replaced knees.  I have down graded exercising to a couple of times a week with a personal trainer and primarily work on resistance and strength training with weights - developing the core.  When I complain and whine my trainer is the most proud but doesn't like me calling her Jillian . . . .(ya know - Jillian Michaels from the biggest loser).  Coincidentally this all occurs weekly at a  local 24 hour fitness center. 

Even if walking is hard -walk in the pool.  The water provides a bit of resistance, protects against falls and soothes sore tummies.  Soaking in a hot tub or sweat box might also feel good, one of the gyms I go to has a heated therapuetic pool.  Know its hard to prioritize exercise but it really does help-physically and mentally! 

 

Posted 6/29/2010 11:14 AM (GMT 0)
I should probably be working out a little bit more. tongue But since this recent flare, it's been kind of hard to get myself motivated again. Last month, before I moved, I used to walk about a mile to my grad school and a mile home to keep myself in shape. Definitely didn't walk too fast, but just enough to feel like I had a good workout. yeah

Also, used to love zumba classes and I'm looking to rejoin one. Each instructor is different, but it's a light aerobic/latin dance class. Pretty simple and doesn't matter if you're in shape (I'm not), coordinated or a dancer as long as you have fun. Plus, you can take it at your own level so it's all about being up and moving. Just be careful with some of the abs move they do because it can surprise the intestines.

I also did yoga for a little while, but I'm waaaaay too impatient for that...good luck!!
Posted 6/29/2010 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
Any kind of work out is good and starting out slow is the way to do it. The most consistent recommendations I've read is 150 minutes of aerobic exercise/week plus two sessions of weight training/lifting/exercise a week. A great machine is an eliptical - it's easy on your knees and you can use low to high resistance to personalize your work out. If you have cable tv, there's channels with work out sessions. Look for Leslie, the walking lady (she's a kind, gentle exerciser) and Jillian (from the Biggest Loser - she's tough but you get a great work out).
Posted 6/29/2010 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
I do a treadmill 3 times a week for 40 minutes and toning 2 times a week for 30 minutes. I am to the point though that I am having way less BMS and no pain. I would suggest light walking if you are feeling badly. I also have used Leslie Sansone and the great thing about her workout is if you are not feeling great you can go as hard or as easy as you want to. My Gi is also a huge fan of pilates.
Posted 6/29/2010 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
I workout regularly...start slow and build up, adjust according to how you're feeling with your IBD...I have everything at home so if I need to stop and use the toilet I can....alot of the stuff we have was purchased used so it's much cheaper than buying out of the store...we have an eliptical, stationary bike, weider weight system and some dumbells and other odds and ends. Doing something is always better than nothing at all, it's actually necessary for the digestive system to function properly...there are really no excuses to not exercise since there are so many forms of exercise it's not even funny...finding excuses not to exercise is a cop-out in my opinion....it will also increase your energy and make your mind sharper too.  Cardio, weight training, pilates, many forms of yoga, aquasizing, lots to choose from and combining any of them is great too.
Posted 6/30/2010 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I think I will use the free weights I have here and keep walking when I feel up to it. I would love to join something like a Zumba class (my best friend just asked me to actually), but I am afraid I will have to leave to go to the bathroom and then I would be all worried about getting back into it. I know I use the crohns as an excuse way more than I should.....I need to stop and just do it:)
Posted 6/30/2010 4:12 AM (GMT 0)
walking is great. totally start with that and do it every day. do at least 30 min but it does not need to be in one interval.

there are a lot of things you can do besides the gym or running (the most popular work out trends). pilates, yoga, tai chi, martial arts, ride a bike, get a kayak/canoe, surfing, swimming, rock climbing, etc etc.

if you go to the gym, focus on form and dont worry at all about strength and how much weight you can do. most people work out wrong and thus hurt themselves. it is a pride thing for guys to do a lot of weight, but most have such bad form that if they did it correctly, or even a full rep, they'd be doing a lot less weight that they'd be humbled.

just go slow and listen to your body and its energy levels. you do need to push yourself, but too much too soon is also bad, so there is a thin line for you to fine.
Posted 7/1/2010 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
i start slow- walking on the treadmill- a kickboard in the pool slowly is nice too. i find that if i over exert myself it tends to exacerbate my crohn's symptoms though
Posted 7/1/2010 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
I think walking is excellent. Increase your distances and plan your toilets. Even if you have to find a business block and walk around the block 10 times. Increase your walk until you reach a level that is reccomended for fitness. Try to change the terrain. There is a HUGE difference between walking on flat land and walking on hills. Drink water. Notice the signals your body gives you regarding toilet breaks. Weights are good too especially for female bones........ Luck
Posted 7/1/2010 5:59 AM (GMT 0)
I'm usually pretty lazy an unmotivated, but I try and do something at least a couple times per week, even if it's just mowing the lawn. When I'm feeling ambitions (and I wake up before 10am lol), I lift weights on the machine in our basement.
Posted 7/1/2010 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
I do a lot of walking. When I have the energy :P
I work at a mall, so I sometimes get there early and walk around the mall a few times.
When it's nice out, I like to walk around my neighborhood a few times.

I also have hand weights that I like to use, just 5pounds.
I have an Ab Lounger also, but it doesn't get used very often :P
Posted 7/4/2010 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
I look at it like this...in another 20 yrs from now I'll be 63 and I will have a rockin' hot body for a 63 yr old woman and I'll still be able to make it to the toilet on time (although if there's a cure before 20 yrs from now that would be great) regardless I'll still have a rockin hot body and a sharper mind and better reflexes than many 63 yrs olds...plus I'll be better off when I'm in my 70's and 80's compared to those that don't work out. How you take care of yourself now will have a huge impact on you for the future, aint nobody gettin' any younger!
Posted 7/4/2010 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
I actually think severe blood loss that results in blood transfusion is a pretty good excuse.

But I do want to encourage everyone that if you are feeling fairly well, then please do exercise.
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