When you have Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis — two conditions categorized as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD — exercise can be hugely beneficial. Not only does it decrease stress that could otherwise exacerbate symptoms, it may also help improve digestion, says Rudolph Bedford, MD, a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
“Unequivocally, exercise is a plus when you have these conditions, and it has a ripple effect in other ways that improve health overall,” he says. “That said, I know it can be challenging to be active when you’re experiencing a flare-up, so that’s when you need to choose your exercise wisely and opt for more gentle activities that don’t temporarily increase inflammation the way high-intensity workouts might.”
UK-based movement and mobility coach Luke Jones, CPT, knows that all too well — not only is he a personal trainer, but he also lives with Crohn’s disease. For him, flare-ups involve extreme fatigue and pain, but he’s found that doing a gentle mobility flow can help him stay active, feel less stressed and make his symptoms fade faster.
Here, Jones shares his go-to, 20-minute routine with simple stretches and deep breathing for easing Crohn’s and colitis symptoms.
It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any new workout routine, especially if you’re managing a chronic condition.
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