Exercising Your Legs When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

Exercise is incredibly important for everyone, as it has innumerable health benefits. However, exercise is doubly important for sufferers of ulcerative colitis not only in the interest of maintaining overall good health, but preventing further complications of ulcerative colitis. While UC patients should exercise regularly, we also have to increase our level of carefulness while doing so to avoid injury and general discomfort. Here are some ideas to help exercise your legs.

Leg lifts are a fantastic way to exercise your legs, and these can be done in two different ways. First, lay on your side with your legs together, your head supported by your hand. Raise your top leg as high as you can, hold for several seconds and bring it back down. Do as many repetitions as you are comfortable with, and switch sides. Another version of the leg lift exercise that is especially helpful for ulcerative colitis patients (as it is known to help strengthen the walls of the colon) is done lying on your back. Lift both legs together until they are at a forty-five degree angle with the floor (or as close as you can get). Hold them there as long as you can, and then bring them slowly back to the floor.

Squatting exercises are another good way to strengthen the legs, and these can be done without weights for the ulcerative colitis sufferer who may find weights causing undue stress on joints. Simply stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart, and slowly bend both knees keeping your upper body perpendicular to the floor. Alternately, you can squat and lean your back against a wall (also referred to as a wall sit), holding this position as long as possible.

The ulcerative colitis patient may find, however, that one of the best leg exercises is walking. Walking strengthens the legs, and also has the added benefit of being a cardio workout if done briskly. If you are uncomfortable walking too far away from a restroom, a treadmill might provide you with a more comfortable opportunity for exercise.

For a lower impact option for leg exercise, try swimming. Swimming laps is an excellent source of full body exercise and cardio, but for specific leg strengthening, try going to the edge of the pool. Facing outward into the pool, place both arms up on the side, and allow your legs and lower body to float off the bottom of the pool. Simply kick your legs back and forth for several minutes. No impact, and an excellent workout.

Ulcerative colitis patients do need to be especially careful during exercise sessions, so consulting with your doctor about what is best for you is recommended. You also might see if your local gym has a personal trainer who specializes in gentle training for people with chronic conditions.