First, let’s touch on the facts about hemorrhoids. You have veins fed by arteries all over your body. Frequent exercise helps the transmission of oxygen and nutrients to all these veins. You usually get the circulation pumping every time you work out! By exercising, you allow the parts around your butt to be healthier and stronger. This must be good for the batteries, right?
So if exercise is great for hemorrhoids, should we always do as much of any type of exercise as possible? No, this is not necessarily true. In my experience (and keep in mind that this may be quite different for you) it’s best to focus on exercises that don’t force you to overexert yourself. This simply means that exercise like swimming, bicycling, or possibly even just jogging are great for preventing hemorrhoids from getting bigger.
Does that suggest there are no weights in the gym? I’m just relating my own experience here, but it doesn’t automatically mean no weight lifting. After an evaluation by my doctor (prior to a colonoscopy) I was told that my piles were somewhat prominent. He asked me about my diet and lifestyle and I told him that I live a generally healthy life (with a reasonable diet) and that I really like lifting weights. This final part raised a few eyebrows. I was urged to stop lifting heavy weights immediately as it could make my hemorrhoids even worse.
This was a dilemma. I really like weight lifting. And as I mentioned, the extra blood circulation comes with a number of benefits. So I thought I’d seek the help and advice of a trainer at my nearest gym. After discussing the problem with him, we realized that we needed to get rid of the exercise routines that put the most stress on my body. Namely: squat presses and some other leg exercises. (Take note: A deadlift press is one of the main leg exercises in weight training where you put the bar across your shoulders and literally squat down.)
But if we leave the lower body exercises based on weight, what do we replace it with? (I like a full body workout routine.) The best solution for me personally – kettlebells. Kettlebell exercises still allow me to work my thighs and legs, but since it’s a somewhat more resistance-dependent workout, it doesn’t add to the pressure that exacerbates my hemorrhoids. Better yet, they offer an excellent combination of aerobics, power, and flexibility. All good for hemorrhoids!
visiting the doctor
I met the doctor again. And I’m glad he did considering he found the new exercises really helped. Of the piles that he noticed earlier, one had shrunk considerably. The others were much smaller!
Essential guidance on training and hemorrhoids.
Almost the most important thing to keep in mind is that even if you don’t feel like it, you should still try to stay active. I don’t mean you should go to the gym seven days a week or run marathons. However, you should make an effort to walk, run, bike, or do something simply because it will help you.
Also, you probably don’t want to listen to this advice, but you should also try to take walks, even during a bout of hemorrhoids. Even though staying put may seem like the smart thing to do. Usually it isn’t. Getting that traffic going will help you get over it faster!
