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Optimal Stoma Exercises
After stoma surgery, many people may find these activities to be easier than others. But before starting any new exercise, talk to you doctor to make sure you're ready.
Core muscle conditioning
Swimming
Walking
Reminder
Core muscle conditioning
People who have a stoma are at greater risk for having weakened core due to years of digestive or bladder issues, coupled with surgery. Building back core stability and flexibility is important, as it makes exercises and routine activities easier. Here are a few basic exercises to get started:
- Hip Extensions
- Upper Body Extensions
- Arm/Leg Extensions
- Pelvic Tilt
- Bridging
Swimming
Swimming is great exercise. It works your whole body without putting strain or pressure on your stoma. Most stoma pouching systems like Esteem Body™ with Leak Defence™ are water resistant, even for swimming. First, ensure that your pouching system is securely in place. Then, cover the vent on your deodorising filter with a filter cover to prevent water from entering the pouch.
Walking
Get your steps in. Walking is a simple and energising way to exercise. When walking, you can build up fitness at your own pace. Walking can also reduce stress and constipation.
Reminder!
Choose an activity you enjoy. Running, jogging, swimming, climbing, skiing; when it comes to working out with a stoma, you shouldn’t be prevented from staying fit the way you want to.
For Linda Pasto, living with an ostomy since 2008, she had always dreamed of completing a 5K race at Disney World.
Nine years post-surgery, she finally got the courage to sign up to run the Disney Princess 5K in February 2017 with her granddaughter, Savana.
“To be able to complete this race with my granddaughter, Savanna, was a dream come true. I never thought I would be able to enjoy my grandkids when I was sick.”
Linda crossed the finish line hand-in-hand with Savanna and tears in her eyes.