Whether you've had colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgery, your abdominal muscles need time to heal and strengthen, and it might seem difficult to be active again. Your muscles may be weaker than usual, due to the time spent in the hospital but these things can be overcome with gradual training and exercises.
Go for the Gold
As you begin to work out and become active again, take some time to test your current physical state and the limits you might have. Find the distance you can comfortably go when working out, and then push yourself a little further each day. This constant adjusting of goals will allow you to really feel the progress you’re making every day.
Try securing your ostomy pouch with a wrap.
An ostomy belt or an Ostomysecrets® wrap may help to keep your pouch secure and supported against your body, which may help increase wear time and your confidence as you become more active.
Walk around and get a feel for how your ostomy reacts to different movements.
Everyone's body's is different. Try different movements, stretches and exercises to see what feels best for you.
Move more and more each day, building up towards your wanted level of exercise.
Consider setting small goals for yourself, and don't get frustrated if it takes some time to reach them. Everyone's ostomy journey is different!
Do anything you feel comfortable doing.
Running, jogging, swimming, climbing, skiing; when it comes to working out with an ostomy, you shouldn’t be prevented from staying fit with activities you enjoy the most.
Trust the process to progress.
Patience is key and while your muscles may need more time to heal and strengthen, you are making progress with each movement you make.
If you have questions or concerns about your progress or activities, contact your healthcare professional.
"People ask if what I’ve gone through has changed me. In some ways, it’s changed me for the better; I have more perspective and I’m actually grateful for my experience and what it’s taught me. After five abdominal surgeries and a low point where I thought I might never eat again, the simple pleasures in life – such as going for a run or hiking a mountain with my family – are treasured, not taken for granted. I appreciate every step I take."
Get back to basics with these featured products.
Featured products
SUR-FIT Natura® ConvaTec Moldable Technology™ Skin Barrier
Natura® + Two-Piece Closed-end Pouch
Natura®+ Drainable Pouch
SUR-FIT Natura® Urostomy Pouch
Enroll in me+ today.
Featured Articles
10/10/2024
Travel
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.
Read more10/17/2024
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.
Read more10/17/2024
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.
Read more12/2/2024
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.
Read more12/20/2024
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.
Read more12/20/2024
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.
Read more12/19/2024
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.
Read more12/19/2024
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.
Read more12/19/2024
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.
Read more11/19/2024
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.
Read more12/20/2024
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.
Read more12/19/2024
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.
Read more