You can still exercise with fibroids! In fact, staying active could help you manage symptoms related to these non-cancerous uterine growths, including painful periods, constipation, or frequent urination. Now, fibroid treatments such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization can get rid of those symptoms for good. But, while you’re choosing your best treatment options, getting the right kind of exercise can help feel better. So, to help you make those choices wisely, where are the top ‘dos and don’t’ of working out with uterine fibroids.
It’s only natural that you’ll want to avoid workouts that worsen fibroid symptoms. So it’s important to avoid anything that puts pressure on your stomach, including sit-ups or crunches that could press against the fibroids. Instead, try planks or standing ab work.
Also, avoid heavy weight lifting, since it could push blood down to your lower body, giving your fibroid more nourishment and possibly encouraging further growth. Finally, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs could spell trouble, especially if you’re physically drained due to fibroid-related anemia. Now, that sums up the Don’t of exercise with fibroids, so let’s get to the good stuff: the moves you can make to start feeling better!
Running with fibroids should be fine, with a few exceptions. If you’re experiencing frequent urination due to fibroids, you may want to limit the length of your runs. And the same may be true if you’re in the midst of a heavy period, since some women with fibroids can soak a pad or tampon in under two hours. Not feeling the urge to run? Try these workouts instead.
Cardiovascular exercises, or workouts that raise your heart rate, are some of your best choices if you have fibroids. In fact, studies reveal that having fibroids is linked to increased cardiovascular health risk factors. Plus, since we can loosely connect having fibroids with developing hypertension and atherosclerosis, trying heart-boosting exercise with fibroids could be a life-saving decision.
As an added bonus, cardio workouts can help you reach and stay at your healthy weight. In turn, this can help manage fibroid symptoms, since excess weight can lead to rising estrogen levels—and increased fibroid growth!
Of course, there are plenty of ways to get your cardio in. But we’re big fans of swimming, since it’s a low impact workout that’s safe for almost everyone, even if you haven’t exercised in a while…or ever. Even better? Water workouts can improve digestion. And, since many women with fibroids struggle with constipation, you could be getting an added dose of relief by getting into the pool.
Getting in the pool is often tough to do, particularly if you have long or heavy periods. Need a different option? Consider yoga, since the poses can help manage pelvic and back pain, while improving balance and raising heart rate.
Taking short, light jogs or walks are also a great way to exercise with fibroids. This form of cardio requires no special equipment, it’s free to try, and you can easily adjust intensity levels to match your mood or current fitness state.
Finally, while heavy lifting is off the table, you can work with light weights to build strength and round out your overall workout routine!
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