Can aerobic exercise cause a flare?

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  We recently bought an elliptical trainer.  I have used it three times in the last few weeks and have had pain flares on the same days.  Today I am in another flare and am wondering if aerobic exercise could cause a flare.  Please give me your opinion. 

IC-Hope's picture
IC-Hope

In the past when I've used the elliptical, I thought I might've felt worse those days so I gave it up (for the time being at least) and stick to walking/treadmill.  I believe the "bouncing" up and down of the bladder on the elliptical may not be the greatest.  I've also found that ab exercises, situps and the like, esp. intense ones where your stomach muscles literally shake, can aggravate things. And lastly, I think some deep twist poses in yoga might've caused issues, maybe not surprising in that they're supposed to be strongly detoxing, which for our situations may be too much.  Hope this is helpful to you & others.

jlopatka's picture
jlopatka

So... I talked with Boaz once for an appointment and he had a great commentary on exercise... Toxins can be stored in fat and when you do aerobic exercise, you break down fat which may have toxins stored in it.  So, it is a bit of a catch 22.  Maybe try and do something that is more gentle or less intense.  Also exercise stimulates the immune system... The lymph has no natural pump, so when you exercise, you move the lymph which I think can be a good thing, but for some, it may be too much.  Matia says that for my body type and my type of IC, exercise is good.  Yes, I will flare up, but I kind of like it, kind of like I like getting my period... I feel like things are getting cleaned up.  Do what you feel is good for you!

toreyg's picture
toreyg

im really struggling with exercise. before my body had its breakdown i had finally gotten into a great excerise routine and it felt so good! ive always been very active and i want so bad to be able to go to the gym again.i cant seem to find the strengh to go b/c im afraid my whole body will go crazy. it would be so nice to be able to go and do''normal'' things to get my mind off of evetrything, and also help with my constipation. has anyone found exercising actully helps everything if u push through it?

emmarenee's picture
emmarenee

She recommends walking and light yoga. She doesn't want us to sweat too much. Sweating is too drying. Try a short walk and see how it goes. It should help with constipation. 

janejones's picture
janejones

Yes, I agree with Tammy. Walking is great for constipation - it kind of helps digestion and peristalsis (food moving thru the bowel). I have an hour walk a day but if ur tired you could start with 20mins and work yr way up. Also if ur on yr feet all day (I guess u mean a lot of standing) it would be good to stretch yr legs on a walk and this would help with circulation too. I'm not recommending any products but has anyone tried the Wii fit thing? A friend has it and it looks like u can do stepping etc and light yoga at home in a fun way. 

veryhappymom's picture
veryhappymom

Dr. Brizman said at the support group that I could use the elliptical trainer as long as it didn't increase my pain.  For example, 15 minutes on a low setting would be better than 45 minutes on a higher setting.  Hope this helps.Sharon