Post-Ostomy Surgery: Dos and Don’ts of Exercise

Exercising post-ostomy surgery

Exercising after ostomy surgery is about patience and doing what feels right. It’s important to take your time and know your limits.

When you begin working out again, you may run into some challenges or limitations. Be patient and don’t give up. Before long, nothing will stand in your way.

Optimal Ostomy Exercises

After ostomy 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

People who have an ostomy 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 ostomy pouching systems are water resistant, even for swimming. First, ensure that your pouching system is securely in place. Then, cover the vent on your deodorizing filter with a filter cover to prevent water from entering the pouch.

Walking

Get your steps in. Walking is a simple and energizing 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 an ostomy, you shouldn’t be prevented from staying fit the way you want to.

Ted Vosk crossing a marathon finish line

;

Ted Vosk finds his way back to the activities he enjoys after his second ostomy surgery.

He started by walking 50 yards down the sidewalk in front of his house. Each day he went a little further, building strength and confidence one step at a time. And it worked. Six months after surgery, Ted ran two half-marathons on back-to-back weekends for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. He also returned to the courtroom, picking up his practice as a trial and appellate attorney.

Read Ted's Story

Time to gear up.

Convatec’s wide range of comfortable, secure pouch and skin barrier options allow you to find a system that works best for your ostomy type and lifestyle. Learn more about these featured products that may work for you as you get back into exercise post-surgery.

Request a free sample

Enroll in me+ today.

me+ brings you the tools and advice to help make life with an ostomy completely your own. The products and support you need, the tips and advice you can learn to use, and a community you can grow with. Join me+ and get started with free ostomy support from ostomy nurses and product specialists today.

*Required

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone Number* (Please do not include spaces)

Selection

Zip code*

Selection

We need your consent to continue

Your privacy is important to us. Please take a moment to read our privacy policy to understand how Convatec uses and protects your personal data. We never share your data with other companies without your permission

We need your consent to continue

Multiple or single choice

I agree to Convatec processing my data (Required)

We’ll process and use your data to deliver the products or services you’ve requested. This may include contacting you to verify your details.

Multiple or single choice

If I decide to order the products sampled, I authorize Convatec to refer me to a trusted retailer (Optional)

We’ll securely transfer your contact, medical and product information to the retail supplier to help you place an order.

Multiple or single choice

I’d like to be sent information about relevant Convatec products and services (Optional)

From time to time we’ll send you our latest news, support articles relevant to your condition or product ideas you might like to try.

You can manage your consent at any time by unsubscribing through a link in our emails, contacting us at 1-800-422-8811 or by email at cic@convatec.com.

More from me+

10/10/2024

Travel

a man with a backpack and a hat standing in a field

Traveling with an Ostomy: 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.

10/17/2024

Everyday life

Travel

Road Trips with an Ostomy

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.

10/17/2024

Travel

Ostomy 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.

12/2/2024

Diet

Everyday life

Living with an ostomy: Hydration

Drinking more is one of the simplest ways to improve your health and well-being. These tips can help you stay one step ahead of dehydration.

12/20/2024

Fashion

Fashion Tips for Men Living with an Ostomy

After ostomy surgery you can wear the same clothes as anyone else – and do it with style! Here are some fashion tips for men living with an ostomy.

12/20/2024

Fashion

Fashion tips for women living with an ostomy

Here are some practical fashion tips from Jearlean Taylor, a successful model, author, and businesswoman who has never known life without an ostomy.

12/19/2024

Everyday life

Tips for Managing Anxiety After Ostomy Surgery

One of the biggest worries for people who have recently had ostomy surgery is what other people will think.

12/19/2024

Everyday life

Fashion

Returning to Work with an Ostomy

From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with an ostomy are successfully returning to work following ostomy surgery.

12/19/2024

Everyday life

Back to school with an ostomy

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.

11/19/2024

Activity

Exercise After Surgery: Back to Basics

No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, ostomy surgery shouldn’t hold you back.

12/20/2024

Everyday life

Bathing or showering with an Ostomy

Showering or bathing with an ostomy should not interfere with your regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips on bathing or showering with an ostomy.

12/19/2024

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 ostomy.