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gym and locker rooms??

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Ostomies
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Posted 1/20/2010 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
I am wondering what people do at the gym. I am new to the excersize thing, I used to be naturally thin...but after hitting 40 that all changed so I joined a gym. I am actually loving it and have tried all sorts of classes and new things. I have no problem changing in the locker room as my undies hide enough, but sometimes I want to shower and go out with friends after the gym and I don't have the guts (no pun intended) to shower there...any advice? Everyone is always walking around naked after showering...surely can't and won't do that.

Also, are there excersizes that people with ostomies are supposed to avoid? My GI says no crunches...anything else?
Posted 1/21/2010 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
bump

...sorry I don't use a gym but there are some folks out there who do...
Posted 1/21/2010 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Since I've had my ostomy I've only been to the gym a handful of times, but when I have gone I just end up showering at home. Does your gym have any private shower stalls?
Posted 1/24/2010 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
my GI said not to do crunches/sit ups/leg lifts, but i do them anyway. I've not had a problem yet.
Posted 1/24/2010 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Why the 'no crunches?' Is it too soon post op? I'm just curious b/c I've been given no restrictions. Obviously, I've found things that I am not yet strong enough to tackle but it is all trial and error.
Posted 1/25/2010 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
I go to the gym almost everyday. Some gyms have private stalls and I just wrap a towel around as I get done and go to my locker in the corner.

The other gym I go to I swim at and just wear my swim suit to shower and again wrap up in towel to go to locker. I usually put my back to everyone while I dress but the other day I did have the thought NASCARon expressed, "Be proud I'm a person who is trying to keep going after challenges and set-backs." You have a right to be there as much as anyone.

Maybe people need to see what ostomies are and have more understanding.

I am a fitness instructor and have tried to find everything possible on the limits of working stomach muscles with an ostomy. Dr. say everything from don't do crunches to go ahead and do all you want. I'm still deciding what to do and what I would advise not to do. Have had mine almost 6 months.

Crunches on your back going up and down, up and down, aren't the best to strength stomach (abdominal) muscles anyway. If you just go up and hold and pull in on muscles that is good. the biggest deal is to not over work with bad technique, ie. let back arch out or stomach press out. Don't over work muscles, go a little at a time building, and be patient. I could really go on for pages on ideas but will try keeping this short.

I do Pilates and find that approach very helpful and thorough. My back killed for months after surgery and still trying to get strong.

Any other questions I can help with I will. Good luck and keep working out.
Posted 1/26/2010 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of the responses! Trigirl, I always thought that pilates was out of the question because it is all about abs, maybe I should try some? Hmmm, gives me a lot to think about! I am not quite up for streaking through the locker room...but then again I wasn't that type before my surgery either. I am working up the courage to shower there, today I was changing and a co-worker came up and said hi as I was whipping my shorts off, man I hate locker rooms! I met with a trainer last friday and she gave me a bunch of core building excersizes....I'll ask her about the pilates classes. Thanks for all the input!
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