Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I'm sure this has come up before but I just thought I'd throw this question in again.

I'm wondering what type of exercise people with IBS-D can typically handle and what is particularly beneficial.

I know yoga, and walking is good. I sometimes do nordic walking as well. I used to do pilates but don't like that anymore for 2 reasons. 1. I don't think it's good for my bowels, and 2. it gives me such a bad muscle pain for 2-3 days after the routine and that makes it more difficult for me to empty my bladder since I need to use the abdominal muscles for that (have problems with bladder retention after paralysis).

I can't do bouncy exercise since my pelvic floor muscles are weak from earlier paralysis.

I'd like to get an exercise bike. Low-medium intensity should be ok I think. What do you think? (I will NOT do spinning as that is too intense and puts too much pressure on the pelvic floor.)

Is it the movement around the abdominal area or the general strain or the intensity in the workout or the possible "bouncing" or what that affects the bowels. I mean, since low intensity exercise is good far all types of IBS but high intensity exercise is basically off limits for IBS-D but good for IBS-C?

I'd love to hear what types of exercise you guys are able to do. I LOOOOOOOOOOONG to do something where I get to sweat a lot - and I love low impact aerobics though I have to be careful with it since I have knee problems too (also from paralysis). But I am scared to do aerobics now since I don't want to upset the IBS...

Good inspiring tips for me are most welcome. I need to mix it up a bit in order to not get bored and end up on the couch all day long...

/Ulrika, IBS-D

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