Fitness and physical activity are crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s running, yoga, weightlifting, or just a brisk walk, these activities help keep our bodies in prime condition, reducing the risk of numerous health complications. However, for individuals living with an ostomy, the prospect of engaging in these activities can be intimidating. This guide aims to demonstrate that an active lifestyle can still be fully embraced even with an ostomy.
An ostomy surgery is a life-changing event that requires considerable adjustment and resilience. It’s natural to feel apprehensive about resuming or beginning an exercise routine, but with the right information and tools, you can safely and confidently return to physical activities and even pursue new fitness goals.
1. Understand Your Limits
It’s crucial to recognize that your body needs time to recover following ostomy surgery. When you feel ready, and with your healthcare provider’s approval, start with low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. As your strength and confidence increase, gradually incorporate more strenuous exercises into your routine.
2. Hydrate and Eat Right
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for anyone engaging in fitness activities, but they’re particularly crucial for ostomates. Be mindful of what you eat before your workout, ensuring it won’t cause excessive output. Stay well-hydrated, as ostomy patients are at a higher risk of dehydration.
3. Take Care of Your Core
Core strength is vital for ostomy patients, as it helps support the abdominal area and protects the stoma. Gentle core-strengthening exercises like seated leg lifts or pelvic tilts can be incorporated into your routine. Remember to avoid strenuous abdominal exercises, like sit-ups, immediately after surgery or without professional guidance.
4. Find the Right Gear
When it comes to working out with an ostomy, choosing the appropriate ostomy products can significantly enhance your comfort and confidence. Select a pouching system that fits well, stays secure during movements, and suits your type of physical activity. Additional support, like ostomy belts or wraps, can provide extra security.
5. Listen to Your Body
It’s important to pay attention to your body’s signals during workouts. If an exercise causes discomfort, stop immediately. Remember that the goal is to improve your fitness and overall health, so there’s no need to push yourself too hard. It’s okay to adjust your routine or take a break when necessary.
6. Get Professional Guidance
A fitness instructor or physical therapist familiar with ostomy care can provide personalized guidance and design a workout regimen suitable for your needs. They can also help ensure you’re performing exercises correctly and safely, reducing the risk of injuries or complications.
7. Embrace Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities not only offer excellent physical exercise but also improve mental well-being. Activities like hiking, biking, or simply walking in nature can be therapeutic and help boost your mood and outlook.
8. Join an Ostomy Support Group
Connecting with others who are also living with an ostomy can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Many support groups and communities provide resources and advice about maintaining an active lifestyle after ostomy surgery.
9. Overcoming Barriers: A Success Story
A number of ostomates have turned their ostomy journey into one of strength and motivation. Take, for example, Rob Hill, an endurance athlete and ostomy patient. He didn’t let his ostomy hold him back from becoming a world-renowned climber, conquering the world’s Seven Summits. His story emphasizes that having an ostomy is not an obstacle, but a unique part of one’s fitness journey. His courage and determination serve as a testament to what individuals with an ostomy can achieve when they embrace fitness and refuse to be limited by their condition.
Conclusion
Living with an ostomy may introduce new challenges to your fitness journey, but it does not mean the end of an active lifestyle. With proper guidance, the right ostomy products, and a positive attitude, it’s more than possible to safely engage in physical activities. Fitness goes beyond physical health—it’s a testament to resilience and the ability to overcome adversity. Embrace the opportunity to redefine what fitness means to you. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, is progress towards a healthier, stronger, and more confident you.
