I’ve been watching a lot of sports and thinking about Celiac. Doctors always recommend exercise for a variety of reasons – heart health, helps with gut bacteria and mobility, and it releases endorphins. All these are good things. But many times, we are too sick, too uncomfortable with bloating or other issues, and too tired from various other things.

Personally, I used to do Crossfit and play tennis. I even have a Crossfit Level 1 Certification – so I can teach Crossfit classes. I would Crossfit 3-4 times a week and play tennis 2-3 times a week. Enough exercise to keep me healthy and happy. I wasn’t losing weight but that was never the goal. The goal was feeling good, fit, and strong.

About 18 months ago, I was so sick I had to stop. I could not recover from Crossfit workouts. The workouts would put me on the couch for 3-4 days before I could recover. I play on tennis teams so I couldn’t be sick for those matches. So, my Crossfit attendance plummeted until I had to quit.

I still play tennis, but it is much more carefully planned. I struggle with cramping during matches and after matches recovering. I also am only about to play 2 or 3 times a week if I don’t have a match. I have gotten the cramping under control for the most part – lots and lots of recovery drinks help. But I still bring my own snacks, make sure I drink at switchovers, and eat cookies or M&M’s at set breaks just to make sure I have enough energy to get through a match.

My point is that we all need to exercise. Even if it is simply taking a walk or gardening. It doesn’t even have to be a fast walk. If you are able, weight bearing exercise for osteoporosis and osteopenia are important. Playing tennis, Crossfit, Kickboxing, Yoga, Tai Chi, dancing, etc – any exercise you want to do that keeps you happy and moving is great.

I think if we start to sit too much or to wallow in our miserableness things start to get sketchy. Too many other things can go wrong – Type 2 diabetes starts to creep, arthritis, heart disease, etc. Our bodies are already struggling everyday to fight for nutrients, a little bit of exercise that might make our bodies a little more efficient is a great way to keep things moving.

Also, for those with constipation, many doctors say that gentle exercise and stretching can help!

That’s what I was thinking about this morning. I’m going to play tennis with my son later today and that will be my exercise. I hope everyone gets out and gets a little movement on.