Which Exercise Is Best for People with Crohn’s?

Choosing light to moderate fitness activities can help you improve your overall health, without putting too much stress on your digestive system.

Finding the right type of exercise can help you manage your Crohn’s symptoms, but there’s no one-size-fits-all workout routine. Moving your body can help you feel good and enjoy better overall health, an important part of staying well with any chronic condition.

But you may be wondering: How much exercise is too much? What is the best exercise to help reduce symptoms? Can certain exercises make symptoms worse?

Here’s what to know about Crohn’s disease and exercise.

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What are the benefits of exercise for Crohn’s?

Exercise can help you maintain good overall health, which may lessen your symptoms, increase your energy levels, and strengthen your immune system. Moving your body can also help your digestive tract work more efficiently.

Experts believe that exercise helps relieve Crohn’s symptoms primarily by reducing your stress level.

Since stress can aggravate digestive issues, regular exercise and other stress-reducing activities can provide welcome relief. Exercise can also help reduce the symptoms of depression, a common complication of Crohn’s.

Exercise also has another benefit for people with Crohn’s: osteoporosis prevention. Crohn’s puts you at increased risk of osteoporosis, both from the disease itself and as a side effect of many Crohn’s medications.

Weight-bearing exercises are known to help prevent osteoporosis by slowing your rate of bone loss. It can also help you develop better balance and muscle strength, which can lower your risk of falls and bone fractures.

What is the best type of exercise for Crohn’s?

No exercise routine can singlehandedly clear your symptoms, and everyone has different preferences when it comes to working out. Remember to speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.

Here’s what research says about certain types of exercise if you live with Crohn’s.

Moderate aerobic exercise

Exhausting high impact workouts can leave you feeling drained. Your doctor may recommend low impact aerobic activities, like a half-hour walk several times a week. Other low impact options include cycling, swimming, and water aerobics.

An older study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that walking 3 times a week at a moderate pace for about 30 minutes helped participants with Crohn’s disease improve their symptoms.

The participants also noticed overall improvements in their quality of life. They covered an average distance of 3.5 kilometers, or about 2 miles, on each walk.

Resistance training

Muscle-strengthening activities are essential to staying physically fit. Consider incorporating 2 to 3 sessions of muscle-strengthening exercises into your weekly workout routine.

According to an older study published in 2009 in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, resistance training is the “gold standard” for preventing bone mineral loss and improving body composition, including for those with Crohn’s disease.

Elastic workout bands, machines, or free weights are types of exercise equipment that provide resistance against your muscles.

For a full-strength workout, you can include 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 exercises in each session. Common exercises include abdominal crunches, back extensions, chest presses or pushups, squats, and lunges.

You should always pay close attention to your body and take breaks when you need them. For example, pause or stop when you’re feeling fatigued.

Working with a trainer can be helpful if you’ve never done strength training exercises before, or haven’t in a while. A professional can ensure you’re doing the proper sequence of exercises with the correct form.

Yoga and tai chi

Yoga or tai chi may be a good addition to your workout routine. Both forms of exercise combine carefully controlled movements and breathing techniques. This meditative combination can help relieve stress.

Yoga and tai chi can also help you burn calories while improving your muscle strength, flexibility, and balance.

These gentle, beginner-friendly yoga moves can also help ease discomfort.

The bottom line

Whatever exercise program you choose, it should be something you enjoy. If you’re having fun, you’ll be more likely to stick with it in the long term.

Consider trying a variety of activities until you find something you like. Inviting a friend or family member to join you can help make exercise more enjoyable. Regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy.

Choosing light to moderate physical movement can help you improve your overall health, without putting too much stress on your digestive system. You can enjoy the many benefits that exercise has to offer, even with Crohn’s disease.