First, let’s get into the facts about hemorrhoids. You have veins that are supplied by arteries around your body. Frequent exercise helps transfer oxygen and nutrients to all of these veins. In general, you get your circulation going when you exercise! By exercising, you allow the parts around your butt to be healthier and stronger. That must be good for stakes, right?
So, if exercise is good for hemorrhoids, do we need to exercise as much as possible whenever possible? No, that’s not necessarily true. In my experience (and keep in mind that this may be very different for you) it’s better to focus on exercises that don’t force you to exert yourself too much. This simply means that exercises like swimming, cycling, or maybe even jogging are all great for keeping hemorrhoids from building up.
So this suggests no barbells in the gym? I’m just reporting my own experience here, but that doesn’t automatically mean no weightlifting. After an examination by my doctor (before a colonoscopy) I was told that my hemorrhoids were a bit abnormal. He inquired about my diet and lifestyle and I told her that I generally lead a healthy life (with a sensible diet) and that I really like lifting weights. That last part raised some eyebrows. I was told to stop lifting large barbells immediately as they could potentially make the hemorrhoids worse.
That was a dilemma. I like weightlifting a lot. And as I mentioned before, the extra blood flow 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 issue with him, we realized we needed to get rid of the workout routines that were putting the most pressure on my body. Namely: squat presses and some other leg exercises. (Caution: A deadlift press is one of the most important leg exercises in strength training, and it involves placing the barbell on your shoulders and literally squatting down).
But if we stop doing weight-based lower body exercises, what do we replace them with? (I like a total body workout routine). For me personally the best solution: Kettlebells. Kettlebell exercise still allows me to work my hamstrings and legs, but considering it’s a slightly more endurance-based workout, it doesn’t add to the pressure that makes the hemorrhoids worse. Better still, they offer an excellent combination of aerobics, strength and flexibility. All good for hemorrhoids!
Visit to the doctor again
I returned to meet the doctor. And I’m glad I did as he confirmed that the new exercises really helped. Of the piles he’d noticed earlier, one had reduced significantly. The others were much smaller!
Basic guidance regarding exercise and hemorrhoids
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should try to stay active even if you don’t feel like it. I don’t mean that you have to go to the gym or run marathons seven days a week. However, you should make an effort to walk, run, bike, or do something just because it helps.
Also, you probably don’t want to hear this advice, but you should also aim to walk during a hemorrhoid episode as well. Despite the fact that keeping still seems like the smart thing to do. Usually not. If you get this cycle going, you’ll get over it quicker!
Thanks to David D Payne
