Keeping Hemorrhoids Out of the Weight Room

Lifting weights is great for the body. In addition to toning your muscles and keeping you fit, any form of resistance training can help you become more flexible, improve your balance and maintain bone mass. Unfortunately, lifting weights the wrong way will increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids.

Because weightlifting provides so many benefits, you shouldn’t let the risk of hemorrhoids scare you away from it for good—with proper technique you can give your body all the benefits of weightlifting without causing other painful problems. However, if you’re already suffering from hemorrhoids in Los Angeles, you will likely need to wait until you fully recover to begin lifting weights and should speak with your colorectal specialist (proctologist) before attempting any strenuous activities like resistance training.

Why Does Weightlifting Cause Hemorrhoids?

Though we often don’t give much thought to the way we breathe, it can make a huge difference during activities like weightlifting. When you hold your breath and grunt against the strain of a heavy weight, it pushes down the air in your lungs and puts more pressure on your abdomen and lower body, including the veins of your rectum.

This can cause the veins to become swollen and protrude from the anus, resulting in painful hemorrhoids. Something very similar happens when we strain hard to have a bowel movement, which is another common culprit in the development of hemorrhoids.

The Right Way to Breathe

There’s a right way and a wrong way to breathe for every exercise, but the right way is especially crucial in an activity like weightlifting. Instead of holding your breath as you lift, make a conscious effort to continue breathing. Some people like to get into a rhythm, breathing in as they lift the weight up and out as they bring it back down.

It may at first seem strange to take control of an action we usually do automatically, but becoming more conscious of the way you breathe will help you keep that potentially dangerous pressure off your lower body. If you’re worried that you may not be breathing correctly as you lift, it may be worth it to find a personal trainer who can teach you the right way to breathe during resistance training. And remember: if you have any doubts about an activity’s suitability, always ask your colorectal specialist if it will be healthy and safe for you.