Ulcerative Colitis-Friendly Exercise: Swimming

During the summer, it gets hot where I live. One of the best ways to cool off and still get some light exercise is to go swimming. I am not lucky enough to have my own pool so, I have to go to a public pool to enjoy this luxury.

I love to swim and so far, my ulcerative colitis loves swimming too. On hot days when walking would be unbearable, a trip to the pool is a good substitute. I still get my exercise and my stress relief without having to endure extreme heat.

I know for a fact that swimming helps to keep my stomach muscles strong and stretched. It also helps to keep my digestive system and my metabolism working like they should.

When you suffer from ulcerative colitis, as I do, you look for any way to help alleviate the pain and cramping that is part of this condition. When I am swimming, I am virtually weight less which feels great because my stomach muscles can relax even though I am exercising.

During a flare up, it may not seem like swimming at a public pool would be a good idea. I have a surprise for you! It is possible to swim in a public pool during a flare up. All you have to do is wear waterproof bladder control underwear underneath a pair of shorts. No one in the pool will ever be the wiser. The key to making this work is to wear the smallest size possible to minimize the chance of feces leaking out in the event of an accident.

I have been swimming in public pools during flare ups for a long time and I have never personally had an accident in the pool. Part of the reason for this is that it is easier to feel the cramping that happens before that urgent need when you are in the water.

In addition to regular swimming, I like to do water aerobics. This is the only type of aerobics class that I enjoy. It is low impact and it is usually safe for almost any age or any one with almost any health condition.

If you are going to start water aerobics or a swimming program, check with your health care professional before you begin. This is a good idea with any form of exercise. Some medications or treatments that you are on may react to the chlorine in the water.

While swimming is a good exercise for me, it may not work for everyone. My only advise that I can give you is try it out and see if it works for you.