Don’t Quit Exercising Because of Urinary Incontinence
February 12, 2021
Don’t Quit Exercising Because of Urinary Incontinence
“Regular exercise is good for your health.” How many times have we all heard someone say this? Doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and even friends and family share this advice every day. And, for good reason. Appropriate exercise is good for you, physically and mentally.
That said, exercise is not always easy. And, for a large segment of the population, those who suffer from incontinence, it can truly seem impossible. The stress of many movements exacerbate the condition and working out, outside of your home, can make access to a restroom difficult.
However, even those affected by incontinence can benefit from exercise. And, these two categories and the steps they encompass can make exercising possible and enjoyable. Take a moment and check them out.
Planning is Key
Those who deal with incontinence likely already know that a little bit of planning can go a long way in preventing uncomfortable and embarrassing situations. So, before you exercise, consider these suggestions.
Eat Wisely
In general, exercising on a full stomach isn’t a great idea. If you are worried about leakage, recognize that a larger meal can result in added pressure on your bladder.
Drink Appropriately
While guzzling glasses of water may aggravate incontinence, avoiding liquids is not the answer. Maintaining your hydration level is important. Make sure you drink regularly, throughout the day, but not in excess at any particular time, especially before you work out.
Locate Restrooms
If you exercise outside your home, perhaps at a gym, identifying the locations of available restrooms is key. Make sure you know where they are and how to get them to quickly should the need arise. And, visit the restroom before the start of your formal class or your own personal routine.
Dress to Protect
When selecting workout wear, remember that darker colors are more forgiving should you experience leakage. Don’t forget to throw a change of clothes in your bag in case of an emergency. And, if you believe this is likely, consider some of the personal protective products available on the marketplace. This added insurance may be all you need to relax and enjoy your workout.
Without a doubt, a bit of work ahead of time is wise. When suffering from incontinence and planning to exercise, the Benjamin Franklin quote “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more true.
Exercise Smart - Not Hard
You don’t need to collapse on the floor in a pool of exhaustion and sweat to have had a great workout. If you suffer from incontinence, you should plan your exercise routine carefully, considering how certain movements affect your body.
Low Impact is Best
Long walks are better than running. Avoid jumping jacks, lifting heavy weights, and jumping rope. Bouncing can be an issue.
Select Appropriate Machines
If you are looking for a good cardio workout, consider using an elliptical. Because of the way it is designed, it does not put added pressure on your pelvis.
Try Yoga and Pilates
These both provide the opportunity for a fabulous workout, combining low impact moves and emphasizing stretching and strength. Even better, classes are available for all levels, so it’s okay to be a “beginner”. Looking for something new? Consider a Pure Barre class. As a bonus, many of these classes can be streamed so you can try them in the comforts of your home.
You need to try different things and see what works best for you. The exercises you find most enjoyable and least aggravating to your condition may be different from others who also live with incontinence.
Don’t Let Incontinence Hold You Back
The bottom line, living your best life is important and exercise is a key to doing just that. Moving makes you feel good.
By taking some time to plan and research, and make smart choices, even those who suffer from incontinence can develop an exercise routine that works for them. As always, remember to check with your doctor before making lifestyle changes, including adopting new exercise regimens.
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