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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/5/2008 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hello fellow members.  I am new to this forum and I glad to see/read all the opinions’ and feedback that everyone does here. It’s cool to know how other people cope with the same problem that I have. I was wondering how many people here actually have routines in the gym and such and try to follow them.  Anytime I am having a flare-up, like right now, I stay away the gym. I usually don’t have any energy to go since I change up my diet and end up eating a lot less.  I really love working out and like doing deadlifts, chin-ups, bench pressing etc. Has anyone else noticed or had experiences where lifting heavy has caused a flare-up, just wondering?
Posted 6/5/2008 7:29 PM (GMT 0)

First off, welcome, and I'm sorry you had to find us :(  This forum has got to be the #1 place on the web for getting info and support for UC.  (w00t first welcome post)

Stress can cause all sorts of issues with our body. Healthy or otherwise, for some certain kinds of stress do one thing and other kinds do other things. So there is a possibility that the stress from a "good" workout might cause some issues with someone, but in reality I find it hard to believe that working out can lead to a flare.

If you enjoy a good workout but don't want to risk issues at the gym, I suggest getting you a pull up bar for at home (I have one that I can adjust for a sit up bar). I know that there is a whole post dedicated to people and their work outs here. Try to find it and you'll get some great info.

While flareing anything you can do at home, do it. You never know, working out may be theraputic for you, at least mentally if not physically.

Posted 6/5/2008 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I know exercising doesn't necessarily cause a flare for me, but it certainly exacerbates my symptoms. I love taking yoga classes because I feel like I get more out of going to them than doing it at home, but nothing's worse than having your stomach start gurgling in the middle of downward-facing dog and having to run to the bathroom in the middle of class :-/ So needless to say, I haven't gone in awhile!
Posted 6/5/2008 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
sorry to be welcoming you but this is such a great place.

I could not work out in my major flare and due to prednisone sore joints I have not been able to get back into my step cardio class, it can be hard for me to walk (once I get moving I can go faster, but I cant do all the stuff I did before.......hopefully soon!!)

I am in a mini-flare right now (compared to my major flare = ) and sometimes walking quickly on the treadmill I think gets my system moving. So lately I wait until I have to have a bm then I go on the treadmill, not a run but a fast walk. That has worked well.

I now work out during my lunch hour (I can take it whenever) so now it is easier than to say ok I have to have a bm @ 5pm so I can go work out......
Posted 6/6/2008 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think working out has ever made me flare exactly, but I do get jogger's diarrhea quite often. I don't know if there is a corresponding condtion for lifting weights. I agree about staying away from the gym if you are already flaring because those heavy lifts might ask too much from your body energy-wise and make you feel worse.

On the bright side though, I have found that if you are normally fit and have been working out regularly over the years, you can cut back on the intensity of your routine for quite a long period and not have loss a huge amount strength and/or endurance.

When you are well you can be tough and order your body to "give ya another 20", but when your sick you have to ask nicely and then obey when it tells you, "no way"
Posted 6/6/2008 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Some form of exercise is much better than none at all, find what works for you during certains times as a severe flare should be limited to pilates type exercise or simply walking alot or even swimming, do what you can during any degree of flaring if possible it's still much better for you than nothing.

:)
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