Any advice welcome

Body: 

Hi, I'm going to be starting going to the gym twice a week soon and I wondered whether anyone here goes to the gym and what exercises are OK and what exercises should be avoided so as not to aggravate the prolapse. I think stomach crunches aren't good, what about weightlifting? Stepping should be OK? Aerobics?
Cheers,
Wendy

I would save my money nd go for a walk with MP3 player on - If you need more resistance - In the past I used to add a rucksack with 2ltr bottles filled with water in the back then when I got close to cool down I emptied the water into side of road :)

I also do step sometimes as I used to have a gym in my home...
I would try things and see how you feel after...

Hi thanks for your reply. I do walk a bit but one of the reasons I'd like to do the gym is because it is some social contact with ladies of my own age group. Also I'd like a bit of extra exercise as long as it doesn't aggravate my prolapse. I can always sit out anything that could be a problem. I suppose I could ask the trainer or whoever what they think. Also it is subsidised by our women's centre so it isn't very expensive to do. Little bit shy about telling a complete stranger I have a mild prolapse but, what the hey.
Cheers,
Wendy

ya so I have always lifted weights and run on the elliptical- so I didn't stop when I found my prolapse-
recently though I didn't renew my subscription to the YMCA - and I wondered if my prolapses would get better because I wasn't lifting or worse- it has been about a month and I can report that there hasn't been any change that I can see- that had anything to do with the gym-
That said- I only lift free weights when I do lift and I only run on the elliptical runner. And now when I do this stuff I do it in the WW posture. The only thing I can tell you is to use your body as a guide and be very familiar with the posture before attempting to do any heavy lifting or crazy aerobics.
and try to avoid unnecessary increases in inter abdominal pressures- like holding your breath or straining to lift.
Good luck and stick to it-

First and foremost, you should always listen to your body. I have a grade 3 cystocele - you stated that your prolapse was mild. I have been working out at a gym for 3-1/2 years. You just make adjustments to what your body is capable of doing. I go six days a week, taking 3 strength classes a week and 3 cardio classes - one being a step class. The strength classes are with free weights and are in a group setting with an instructor. Please do not be shy about sharing your problem with your instructor - she will give you alternate exercises to do if you are unable to do certain ones. You would be amazed how many other women are out there with pelvic floor problems once you start discussing your own. Always be aware of the WW posture. If you haven't read Christine's book - please get it. It does discuss what exercises or postures to avoid. I am also an avid hiker and hike hilly trails each weekend - weather permitting. I refuse to let my prolapse dictate my life. Good luck -

Can't thank you enough for your encouraging message. I am totally in awe of what you do. Unlike you I have to push myself to exercise a bit unless it's walking which I tend to do quite happily. I will get Christine's book for sure. I've been meaning to and I really should asap. I am comfortable with my prolapse, it doesn't bother me, even the slight lumpiness at times I try to shrug off - have no idea what grade or type it is, although I suspect a cystocele, maybe grade 2. I hope you had a good Easter, many thanks again, and I am def. looking forward to starting the gym classes.
Cheers, Wendy