Do you have lipoedema, pain and hardened fatty tissue and the last thing you can imagine doing is exercising? I can understand that very well. Motivating yourself for a sports session is sometimes hard enough but then with difficult conditions namely lipoedema fat...?

It can be a real challenge. But exercise and sport is crucial, especially with lipoedema. Regular exercise can improve your quality of life, support your lymphatic flow and can help reduce your pain. Furthermore, exercise promotes blood circulation, improves your general fitness and makes you feel much better mentally.

Of course, exercise with a healthy and balanced diet can also help you lose weight, which in turn reduces the strain on your joints.

But don't worry, you don't have to become a professional athlete or start intensive strength training straight away.

Here are a few suitable sports for those of us affected by lipoedema:

Spinning/cycling
I love cycling. It's easy on the joints, strengthens the leg muscles and improves your stamina. Cycling can help to promote your lymphatic flow and can therefore reduce pain and swelling caused by lipoedema.

Yoga/Pilates
This is more about gentle movements, stretching and strengthening the deep muscles. You get to know yourself, your limits and your body better and can also promote lymph flow and relieve tension.

Swimming
Moving in the water with lipoedema is simply pleasant. Weightless and free through the water. Swimming is excellent for us lipoedema women. The joints are relieved, swimming acts like a light lymphatic drainage, strengthens your muscles and stimulates the lymph flow.

Similar to swimming is water aerobics. There are predetermined exercises that can be performed individually. Water aerobics works just like swimming for lipoedema.

Walking/hiking/Nordic walking
If the sports mentioned above don't appeal to you, you can go for a walk or try Nordic walking for a start. Here, poles are used as support, which takes the strain off your joints and involves your upper body. This strengthens your muscles and improves your stamina.

Just see for yourself what you find comfortable and feasible with lipoedema. Don't overtax yourself, start slowly and above all have fun with the sport you do. Exercise with lipoedema can definitely help you and alleviate symptoms.

I personally love spinning and notice significant differences. For example, I have less pain and generally feel fitter. I also really enjoy doing yoga. I just look at how I feel and then adapt my sport accordingly.

Have fun trying it out :)

All the best to you,

Talia