Strength training has many benefits, like helping to maintain healthy weight, supporting your ability to do everyday tasks, keeping your mind sharp, and helping manage symptoms from chronic conditions like depression and heart disease (via Mayo Clinic). Plus, strength training can help boost your bone density and decrease your chances of developing osteoporosis, which is common in people with Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, those who struggle with Crohn's have a hard time absorbing vitamin D, which can lead to bone weakness over time (via Everyday Health). An average of 30-60% of patients with an IBD experience below-average bone density.
Resistance training is a type of strength training that involves pushing or pulling against force, which can also help build muscles and strengthen bone density (via Medical News Today). Strength training and resistance training are similar but slightly different — the main difference is that strength training generally involves building muscles by using weight, while resistance training typically utilizes bodyweight, elastic bands or other tools that create a resistance to build strength (via Stylist). According to one meta-analysis, the two best types of workouts for those with Crohn's are aerobic activity and resistance training. You don't need a gym membership to practice resistance training — there are many different types, some of which can be done at home. Some common resistance training exercises include crunches, back extensions, push-ups, squats, and lunges (via Healthline).
