How a Crohn's Warrior Rebuilt Strength After Losing 25 Pounds

A 26-year-old health coach with 17 years of experience living with Crohn’s disease has shared her approach to staying fit while managing the condition. As a certified personal trainer and nutritional therapist, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to maintain strength during flare-ups and recovery. Diagnosed at just nine years old, she has spent years adapting her fitness routine to her body’s changing needs. During her last major flare, she lost 25 pounds—19 of which were muscle—and had to rebuild her strength from the ground up.

Her advice starts with setting small, realistic goals based on current fitness levels. Pushing too hard on difficult days can do more harm than good, so she stresses the importance of listening to the body. On stronger days, gradual progress is key. There’s no single workout plan that suits everyone with Crohn’s disease. Trial and error often play a role in finding what works best. Proper form is also critical to avoid injury, especially when starting a new exercise. Balancing her roles as a salon lead in Colorado and a full-time health coach, she continues to adjust her approach. Her journey remains dynamic, proving that fitness with a chronic condition is about adaptability rather than rigid routines.

Her story highlights the need for patience and flexibility when exercising with Crohn’s disease. By focusing on achievable goals and responding to the body’s signals, she has found a way to maintain fitness despite the condition’s unpredictability. The process is ongoing, but her experience offers practical guidance for others facing similar challenges.