Exercising may increase your enjoyment of life, it may also help improve your time to recovery. Physical activity gives you more energy and makes you stronger and better equipped to cope with illnesses.

Exercise can prevent complications that may otherwise occur from sitting or lying down too long.

Being in good shape can make your pouching solution fit better

A benefit of exercising – and for many people the main reason for exercise in the first place – is weight-loss or weight-maintenance. Depending on the shape of your stoma, a firmer, flatter abdomen could make it easier to get a secure fit with your ostomy pouching system, minimizing leakage risks.

Exercise will boost your confidence

How exercise can help stress

An active lifestyle means a stronger heart, improved circulation and lung function as well as healthier skin.

It may boost your self-confidence and give you more energy overall. This can balance any stress you might feel after your surgery.

If you are not used to exercising

It doesn't matter if you didn't exercise much before your surgery; you can get started now. Take it easy, start out slowly and built up gradually.

Things to be aware of

Before exercising be sure to empty your pouch for greater freedom of movement and a reduced risk of leakage. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercising.

Until your ostomy and abdominal area are fully healed, strenuous activities can put you at risk for a hernia. Therefore you should avoid any kind of heavy lifting for the first six to eight weeks after your surgery.

If you take the right precautions, you can exercise with fewer limits. But you should always check with your doctor or ostomy nurse to approval before you start exercising.

This website includes general guidelines. Always follow the instructions by your healthcare provider.