At-home workouts may be foreign to some, but just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t get a great sweat going. If you’ve been floundering in your workout routine this past year, you’re not alone. A recent study looked at the daily step count of users of Apple and Android phones who used the popular smartphone app, Argus. They found that just 10 days into the pandemic, users’ step counts dropped by 5.5%. Within 30 days, they had dropped by a whopping 27.3% in mean steps.

 

WHY WORKING OUT IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN YOU HAVE INCONTINENCE.

Of course, it’s detrimental for anyone to see such a reduction in physical activity. But, for those with incontinence, staying active and fit is especially important for several reasons. To start, physical activity helps control weight, and it’s been shown that obesity can hurt bladder control since it places an increased strain on the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to weaken.

Staying fit helps keep the rest of your muscles in shape, too. Building a strong core improves bladder control by strengthening the muscles around the spine, providing support to the bladder and other pelvic floor organs. When you don’t get enough physical activity, these muscles can weaken, leading to bladder leaks, especially if you’ve been prone to them in the past.

Our recent survey focused on the effects the pandemic has had on those with incontinence found that many people living with bladder leaks have noticed an increase in leaks, and some have blamed it on a lack of physical activity.

 

WORKING OUT IS ALSO A GREAT WAY TO REDUCE STRESS.

Want one more reason to stay active while stuck at home? Exercise is a terrific stress-fighter. We found in our survey that many people are also experiencing higher levels of stress –  financial strains, health concerns, and an increase in responsibilities – from caring for a sick loved one or looking after kids who are also now stuck at home. Stress has been a mainstay for many during the pandemic.  In these stressful times, it’s so important to have a way to decompress and blow off some steam.

And while it may feel harder to get in your daily workout with all the restrictions we’ve been facing (many gyms are closed, inclement weather conditions have made it harder to get outside), getting in some good exercise while at home is easier than you think!

Check out our roundup of the best ways to stay active while stuck at home.

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SPONSORED

Elitone

ELITONE is the first available external device that treats incontinence. ELITONE uses gentle, low-frequency pulses to stimulate weakened pelvic floor muscles by doing perfectly-timed Kegels — for you. With regular use, those embarrassing leaks go away. With monthly payments available, it’s cheaper than using pads, and you get back your life! Regain control and regain confidence.

Click here to learn more.

SPONSORED

Get Paid To Share Your Thoughts About Overactive Bladder Treatments!

NAFC is currently working with a partner to recruit patients for a survey about treatments for overactive bladder. If you qualify, you’ll be given $50 as a thank you for your time.

Click here to learn more about the survey.

Incontinence Education And Support for Patients, Caregivers, And Professionals

Incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine or fecal matter, is not a condition that anyone should have to “just live with.” It’s not something you need to accept as you get older, or an inevitable consequence of childbirth or surgery. Incontinence is a treatable medical condition, whether you have occasional light wetness, heavier bladder leakage, bedwetting, or bowel issues. No matter what type or degree of incontinence you might be experiencing, help is available. This is the place you should be.