Should you lift weights during an IBD flare?

Today I want to talk about lifting weights with Ulcerative Colitis. In particular, I want to connect with other people who have IBD, and lifted weights previous to a flare up, and really wanted to carry on training during a flare.
Also if people are watching who do not have IBD, then welcome and feel free to ask me any questions!

[@johnguest4525]

Hi Jake, great video. I try to train through flares whenever possible as losing the hard won ground in both body weight and muscle mass would be soul destroying.

[@kneecapjake]

Hi thanks for commenting! Yea it is good to try and retain what you can during those times! I know how tough it can be though.

[@michaelmcleod4833]

In the exact same situation as you!! If I’m flaring, I still lift but I don’t go as hard. It can be difficult especially if you’re in a severe flare. It can be demoralising at time, especially when you start losing weight. I’m not on biologics at the monent, still on mesalamine oral and enema.

[@kneecapjake]

Yea it definitely can be hard when your in a bad flare, but even just walking is something when you feel bad! Hope the mesalasine keeps working for you for as long as possible!

[@tutin4090]

This is interesting, I was taken off azathioprine from liver damage issues, and after 10 months infliximab has changed nothing here. I will 100% follow your channel as this is hugely insightful In the meantime I started an #ibdvisible sports charity in Kent, for local athletes with crohn's and UC to showcase their recoveries infront of a crowd of spectators to show a return to normal can be done. Just hope I'll be there soon 💜

[@kneecapjake]

Sorry to hear aza damaged your liver. I deffo have concerns of aza doing that to me. What were the first signs you noticed of the damage? Also the charity sounds awesome! I am only a train ride away from Kent.

[@kneecapjake]

Hey just revisiting the comments here! How are you doing, and how is your charity going? It sounded like a great endeavour!

[@mehri8439]

Great video thank you 🙏 what medication do you use at the moment if you don’t mind me asking ?

[@kneecapjake]

Hey! Thank you! I am currently on Infliximab IV every 8 weeks, and 100mg of Azathioprine daily.

[@mehri8439]

Many thanks 🙏 for your quick response, much appreciated .

[@truonggiangnguyenkhanh623]

There are many IBD coachs on the internet, they have always promise that they can help patients back to normal and symtom free, but you seems only follow your way to improve your disease. Why you dont work with a coach? Could you share your opinion ?

[@kneecapjake]

Well first and foremost, I wouldn't trust any coach that says they will make you symptom free. I don't feel I need a coach as I feel comfortable in the gym and feeling good. But I want to emphasis that the main reason I am in not in flare at the moment is the medications, not the workouts. I think of working out and improving your health as a way of improving your chances of dealing with the disease better going forward, but if your in a bad flare, medications are likely necessary to bring you out.

[@kneecapjake]

Just wanted to update, I had a look online and I have never actually heard of an IBD coach. I had no idea this was a thing. I was first thinking you meant a gym coach was giving you advice about IBD, which I wouldn't go with, but what you suggested sounds interesting and I want to look at it further. Although I doubt I would ever use a coach in regards to this, you can get so much useful advice from specialist nurses and IBD support discords.