Hemorrhoids are a taboo subject that affects many people, but nobody knows how to deal with them. Therefore, we present a list of exercises that are recommended to do and those that should be avoided.
Hemorrhoids arise most often as a result of improper use of the rectal venous plexus, this is where small nodules form, which cause immense pain and discomfort in everyday life.
It is widely believed that physical activity can improve our health even in case of hemorrhoids – indeed, some exercises can help, while others are able to aggravate the situation. To avoid increased pain during workouts, it’s best to (at least temporarily) forget about weight training.
Intense strength training can cause the abdominal muscles, and consequently the sphincters, to contract, putting pressure on the inflamed areas. The nodules are pushed out (sometimes even bursting occurs) and this generates additional pain. Therefore, the following are not advisable:
The second category of exercises that should be avoided are sedentary activities, i.e. cycling and horse riding, among others. Hard seating in particular can cause discomfort, so for example, it is advisable to take special accessories such as cushions to work or university to help ease the pain.
So remember that when you prepare a workout plan, you should take into account not only personal abilities, preference, but also the peculiar ailment.
As we mentioned, you will temporarily be forced to put down the barbell and give up weight training. It doesn’t mean, however, that you have to give up all physical activity – routine repetition of certain exercises even relieves pain, and doctors recommend them as support in the treatment of hemorrhoids. They’ll get you back to the gym once and for all!
Now that we’ve crossed strength training and sedentary workouts off the list, what’s left? Quite a lot, start with walking, then switch to marching and finally running. Go swimming, there are indoor pools in almost every city with a population of at least 10,000. Gymnastics and yoga (not all postures, though) can also be useful. All of these exercises will help your body’s metabolism, which will translate into less constipation when excreting.
An additional type of training will be pelvic support exercises, particularly in the lower pelvic region, to help relax the sphincters. To do this, lie with your back on a piece of foam padding, clench your rectal muscles together for five seconds, then relax for ten seconds, and repeat the exercise five times. It is best to do this series at least twice a day. Also, try deep breathing, a skill that is increasingly forgotten but extremely health-promoting. Sit comfortably, place your hands on your waist, when you draw air in, push your navel out, when you let it out, pull it in. Breathe for about 5 minutes.
main photo: pixabay.com/derneuemann
