Hemorrhoids and Exercise

When it comes to exercise, the list of benefits is endless. Daily exercise can help maintain weight, boost energy, and even prevent conditions such as heart disease. And as with many other ailments and conditions, a regular exercise regime may also help manage symptoms, as obesity is thought to be a common cause of hemorrhoids. However, even though the benefits of exercise are undeniable, it’s important to remain cautious about the type of exercise you participate in. Certain overly-strenuous activities can actually worsen the condition.

Recommended Daily Exercises

Aerobic exercise is the best kind of activity for someone with hemorrhoids. This will get the blood flowing and help relax any strained muscles in the lower part of the body. And since you often drink more water when you sweat, exercise can help you avoid constipation – a major culprit for the formation and worsening of hemorrhoids. Here are some great exercises for people with hemorrhoids problems:

• Walking at a brisk pace for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Lunges. A few sets of lunges a day increases blood flow and strengthen the muscles in the lower body and rectal area.
• Glute exercises. A few sets of glute-strengthening exercises a day, like squats, can also help strengthen rectal muscles.

If you’re just beginning an exercise regime, it’s important to start slow. Jumping right into a rigorous exercise routine can actually make hemorrhoid problems worse.

Exercise to Avoid

Hemorrhoids are rectal veins that have become swollen and inflamed. They form when too much pressure is put on the rectal area. While straining during bowel movements and pregnancy are the most common hemorrhoid causes, too much strenuous activity can also cause hemorrhoids to form. In fact, after years and years of lifting heavy weights, professional weight lifters are notorious for having life-long hemorrhoid problems. For the rest of us, lifting weights is not necessarily off-limits, but there are still a few activities people with hemorrhoids should avoid.

• Weight lifting. Occasionally lifting smaller weights is ok, but pushing yourself too hard can cause you to strain and make the problem worse
• Cross-Fit. The rigorous nature of this form of exercise often leads to straining.
• Cycling. If you have hemorrhoids, sitting on a bicycle is not only uncomfortable, but it can also aggravate the condition.
• Certain exercise machines such as the rowing machine may cause added discomfort.

While avoiding certain activities and having a proper exercise routine can decrease symptoms, the best way to permanently cure hemorrhoids is to seek treatment, like the CRH O’Regan System.

For more information about hemorrhoids and exercise, contact a physician near you. In fact, it’s always recommended that you talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. So, schedule an appointment today!