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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.
Featured Articles
10/10/2024
me plus Community
Travel
Travelling with a Stoma Bag: What to Pack
The idea of taking long trips with an ostomy may seem daunting at first. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Here’s our tips below to help make packing for your next adventure a little easier.
Read more04/12/2024
Everyday life
Travel
Road Trips with a Stoma
Now that you have an ostomy, the idea of taking long trips can seem daunting. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Read more11/12/2024
Travel
Stoma Travel Tips
Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.
Read more12/12/2024
Diet
Everyday life
Living with a Stoma: Hydration
Learn about the importance of hydration when living with a stoma. Our guide provides tips on fluid intake, recognising dehydration symptoms, and more.
Read more12/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion Tips for Men Living with a Stoma
After stoma surgery you can wear the same clothes as anyone else – and do it with style! Here are some fashion tips for men living with a stoma.
Read more11/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion tips for women living with a stoma
Here are some practical fashion tips from Jearlean Taylor, a successful model, author, and businesswoman who has never known life without an ostomy.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Tips for Managing Anxiety After Stoma Surgery
One of the biggest worries for people who have recently had stoma surgery is what other people will think.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Returning to Work with a Stoma
From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with a stoma are successfully returning to work following stoma surgery.
Read more22/01/2025
Everyday life
Back to school with a stoma
As your child begins to recover from ostomy surgery, it is normal for them to feel fearful or anxious about their needs when going back to school.
Read more11/12/2024
Activity
Exercise After Stoma Surgery: Back to Basics
No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, stoma surgery shouldn’t hold you back.
Read more12/12/2024
Everyday life
Bathing or showering with a Stoma
Showering or bathing with a stoma should not interfere with your regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips on bathing or showering with a stoma.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Peristomal Skin Care
Knowing how to identify irritated skin around your stoma early and keeping it healthy could help avoid greater complications and make for a stress-free experience with your stoma.
Read more