Sarah Hyland Shares Instagram Post About the Challenge of Exercising With Health Issues
Finding the motivation to exercise can be difficult, no matter your situation. But if you have a chronic illness or health condition, it can be especially challenging to encourage yourself to exercise when you’re in the midst of pain or uncomfortable symptoms.
On Thursday, actress Sarah Hyland revealed on Instagram how hard it has been to work out while dealing with chronic pain. She shared a throwback photo of herself as a personal reminder that she has made it to the gym before and can do it again.
“I’m putting this #tbt out there to remind myself that I can make it to the gym,” she wrote. “Lately I’ve been making excuses because of the constant pain from health issues. But no more. A woman’s body is a miraculous thing and we can do anything we set our minds to. #summer #bodygoals here I come.”
The “Modern Family” star was born with kidney dysplasia, meaning her kidneys didn’t develop correctly. In 2012, she received a kidney transplant when her dad donated one of his. Hyland’s body began rejecting her first transplanted kidney in 2016 and in September 2017, she had her second transplant – this time from her brother.
Hyland also has endometriosis, a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus, on parts of the body like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the bladder or bowel. This can lead to pelvic pain, inflammation and infertility.
Many of Hyland’s followers were quick to comment on her post, thanking her for speaking up about the challenge of exercising with a chronic illness:
Fully agree with you. I’ve been meaning to work out, but with sickle cell as a constant beat down, it’s hard to find a time that I’m not sick, in pain and or working. – jimmyeisert
Thanks for posting this. Also struggling to work out lately due to pain/health issues. Hopefully back on track soon! – marklud12
I completely understand and agree. I have a lot of medical issues that I make excuses for as well. I tell myself every week, ‘okay, tomorrow’ but don’t do it. It’s time! Thank you, this post is what I needed. – saranader03
I love seeing this. I can somewhat relate being a kidney transplant recipient and having MS, but we’re (of course) all different. I love your drive and motivation. Thank you so much for sharing, and keep being gentle with yourself too! – elisemarie_b
As Hyland prepares to restart her gym routine, it’s important to recognize that everyone with chronic illness is different, and therefore may need to approach exercise differently.
Some people may not be able to exercise at all – perhaps as the result of a surgery, an injury or a certain medical condition.
Others may find that even if their doctor has given them clearance to do certain exercises, it’s still incredibly difficult due to pain, fatigue, nausea, stiffness or other symptoms.
Whether or not you should “push through” these symptoms to work out and move your body is a question only you and your doctor can answer. Some days, you might find that going for a walk or hitting the gym helps you manage your symptoms – or at least provides enough benefits to be worth the “cost.”
On other days, you might find that the best thing you can do for your body is rest – and that’s OK, too. It’s important to always listen to your body and take care of yourself in whatever way you need.
To learn more about exercising with a chronic illness, check out the following stories from our community:
- Gentle Exercises You Can Do During a Flare or With Significant Chronic Pain
- 10 Reasons Why Exercise Isn’t Always the Answer With Chronic Illness
- What I Wish Others Knew About Chronic Illness Before Telling Me I ‘Should Exercise More’
- 15 Memes That Nail What It’s Like to Exercise With a Chronic Illness
Lead photo via Sarah Hyland’s Instagram
Paige is passionate about helping people with chronic health issues share their stories and connect with one another.
paigewyant