Exercise and IBD

Taking exercise

You may feel that exercising is the last thing you want to do. You may feel too tired or you may be worried about making your IBD worse or having an ‘accident’. While adequate rest is essential, being inactive for too long can lead to problems such as muscle weakness and stiff joints. It can also reduce your motivation and cause difficulty in concentrating. Regular exercise will improve your overall health, keeping your body functioning well. It can help to relieve the fatigue common in IBD. 

Physical activity also helps to strengthen bones, which is particularly important as people with IBD have a higher than usual risk of developing osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). For more information see our leaflet Bones and IBD. 


Besides keeping your body in shape and possibly helping you to avoid other problems, regular exercise also helps you psychologically. Exercise is known to release endorphins, the chemicals in the brain that give you a sense of happiness and act as natural pain killers.

If you are not used to regular exercise and find the idea rather daunting, you could try beginning gently with walking as an exercise. Start with a short walk several times a week and then gradually increase the time and distance you walk. Just getting out of the house into the fresh air can help you feel more positive.

While any activity can make some people want to open their bowels, taking exercise will not worsen your IBD. Plan your route in advance if you are worried about needing a toilet urgently and this may help build up your confidence. You could also think about exercising at a gym or a sports club with toilet facilities on site.

It is sensible to talk to your doctor or specialist nurse before starting any strenuous exercise.