my 6 tips for exercising with a GI disorder

I’ve always been active, but when I began having gastrointestinal issues as a young adult, it put a serious cramp in my exercise routine.

When I first started my running adventures, I would be running with friends during leisure stroll and all of a sudden, I had to go to the bathroom.

I would find a bathroom and by the end of my run, I would have gone several more times, all pit stops being urgent ones.

At first I thought I’d caught a bug, but my GI problems continued, along with fatigue and belly pain. As you may have read in my previous post, eventually my GI doctor diagnosed me with Ulcerative Colitis a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.

The worst part of my situation? My symptoms got worse when I was exercising; something pretty common for people who have GI disorders.

My GI advised me that “Anyone who exercises and is using abdominal muscles puts pressure on the gastrointestinal tract — including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine — and that can bring out symptoms.” Doc said to give up my passion for running, triathlon and racing. 

Throwing in the towel was never an option for me. And over my 10 plus years dealing with a GI disorder, I’ve learned some tips and tricks to manage to keep me in the game. 

Be sure to flag my infographic below to learn my 6 tips for exercising with a GI disorder. 

Help me start the conversation – if you suffer or know of anyone suffering from a GI disorder, send them my way. I would love to chat and to inspire them, that despite it feeling as though their body is failing them at times, there is a better way. 

I am your go to gal for exercising with a GI issue cuz I’ve been there done that. Let me save your the stress and trouble by taking the guess work out of your GI friendly workout!