Hobbies and Keeping Active with a Partner Who Has Endo

Staying active is important for maintaining a strong mind and a strong body. I like to hike, to run, and recently have started climbing as well. These are fun ways to keep fit, with strong communities full of great people. The social aspect of having a hobby is also a big factor for some people – it’s a chance to socialize with like-minded people and meet others you otherwise wouldn’t. And it’s even more fun to share these things with your partner.

Working out together, or running together, or hiking together is a great way to spend time together, and a cheaper alternative for the weekend! But these activities require energy, strain, physical exertion, and often aren’t compatible with the symptoms associated with endometriosis. So how can you enjoy keeping fit and active with your partner who has endometriosis, while at the same time looking after their body and managing their symptoms?

The challenges of exercise and endo

This is a problem that I know for a fact exists because, not only have my partner and I experienced it, but other people with endo have reached out to her before expressing dismay that they can’t keep up with their partner in physical activities. This can be particularly distressing if the person with endo was a very active and sporty person before their symptoms intensified. And not only may the person with endo be missing out on spending time with their partner, but they may also feel isolated from the other social aspects of sports and hobbies.

Endo-friendly alternatives

One way to combat this is to change the level of intensity of sport you are engaging in. For example, if you and your partner enjoy running, then a country walk or hike may be a good substitution. If a hike is too strenuous, then a gentle walk through a park is good place to start. If the activity is more demanding like tennis or climbing, let you partner lead the pace. They will know how much they can out their body through, and they will know when to ease off. When they have had enough, do some solo work on technique or do some strength and conditioning. There are plenty of gentle sports and exercises too. For example, swimming can be as vigorous or as relaxing as you like, and sports like archery or tai chi require less movement and varying degrees of intensity. Even if your partner is in too much pain for exercise, they may still enjoy coming with you and watching or even coaching you.

The benefits of exericse

Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and may even lead to lower levels of inflammation and therefore pain, so it is good to keep active in some way no matter how severe the endometriosis symptoms are, but let you partner dictate the intensity of this activity. It is possible to keep gently active while looking after the health and symptoms of your loved ones if we listen to their bodies and let them lead the way.