Exercise will NOT make microscopic colitis worse.
So don’t use microscopic colitis as an excuse to avoid working out at a gym, even if you’re having diarrhea 20 times a day.
“Generally speaking, exercise is good for the body,” begins Jeffrey Fine, MD, chief of gastroenterology at the Medical Surgical Clinic of Irving.
“It can improve specific conditions, such as microscopic colitis, and your general health.”
If urgency is a problem, then you should try to configure your workout routine close to the gym’s restroom, whenever possible.
Dr. Fine’s Recommendations for Exercising with Microscopic Colitis
Consider yoga. Yoga exercises can aid in the digestion process.
Certain yoga poses may help people with microscopic colitis or other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
A few poses I recommend include flowing bridge pose, Marichi’s pose and revolved triangle pose (below).
If you aren’t sure how to get started, there are many websites, books and classes that may help you learn about yoga.
Establishing a regular exercise routine is essential for maintaining long-term fitness and health.
By incorporating exercise into your daily schedule, you form a habit that increases your likelihood of sticking with it.
To support this habit, start with a basic routine that you can gradually build upon.
Stretching before and after your workouts is crucial for relieving muscle tension and reducing the risk of injury.
If you have gastrointestinal conditions like microscopic colitis, pay special attention to exercises targeting muscle groups near the GI tract.
Kegel and pelvic floor exercises can be particularly beneficial in this regard.
Incorporate both core strengthening and cardiovascular exercises into your routine.
Cardiovascular workouts are excellent for managing weight, which can ease joint stress and mitigate the risks associated with diabetes, heart disease, and various GI conditions.
Strengthening your core supports overall stability and can improve posture and balance.
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Exercising with a friend can make your workouts more enjoyable and provide motivation.
Having a workout buddy can also help you stay accountable to your fitness goals.
Finally, always seek recommendations from your doctor to ensure that your exercise routine is safe and effective for your individual needs.
