Exercise-Induced GERD What to Do About It Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch GERD Exercise-Induced GERD What to Do About It Working out can both alleviate and trigger reflux. Here’s how to keep fit no matter what your fitness level. By Rita ColoritoMedically Reviewed by Kareem Sassi, MD Reviewed: June 26, 2018 Medically Reviewed Exercise can induce GERD in some people.Alamy The online fitness trainer and nutrition coach Ivana Chapman loves weight lifting, but weight lifting doesn’t always love her back. Even though Chapman competes in Masters National Physique competitions, the 41-year-old often struggles with exercise-induced GERD during training. A self-described natural athlete, Chapman switched to bodybuilding after competing internationally in karate for 14 years when GERD made martial arts maneuvers nearly unbearable. “When my GERD is bad, I have to avoid any high-impact activities like running, jumping, or skipping rope,” says Chapman. For athletes like Chapman who engage in high-intensity workouts, exercise-induced GERD is fairly common. Studies show elite runners often experience reflux. But you don’t have to be ultra competitive to experience reflux symptoms during exercise.“There are certain activities that can trigger reflux, and exercise is one of them,” says Like Chapman, who changed sports, it’s important for those with GERD not to give up exercising. And for the general GERD population, exercise can actually help reduce symptoms. If you’re overweight or obese, a 10 percent weight loss has been shown to reduce reflux and heartburn, says If you have GERD and a NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in GERD Treatment Options for GERD Although most cases of GERD can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, sometimes surgery may be necessary.By Mark HenricksDecember 3, 2021 What’s the Difference Between Acid Reflux and GERD? A burning pain in your chest generally signals heartburn, right? But if you are thinking that heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is the same as gastroesophag...By Denise SchipaniDecember 1, 2021 What Is GERD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Ashley WelchAugust 27, 2021 Managing GERD in an Era of UncertaintyBy Everyday Health Guest ContributorNovember 22, 2019 Still Searching for Relief From GERDBy Sean Delshad, MD, MBAMay 24, 2019 Heartburn Causes, Symptoms, and DiagnosisBy Diana RodriguezSeptember 17, 2018 How Changes in Body Weight Affect GERD A growing body of research shows that your weight can have a significant impact on acid reflux and related symptoms.By Allison RyanJune 22, 2018 GERD Symptoms and DiagnosisBy Mark HenricksJune 19, 2018 How to Choose the Right GERD Diet Consuming smaller meals, eating slowly, and avoiding certain foods may help relieve symptoms of GERD.By Mark HenricksJune 14, 2018 New Diet to Cut Acid RefluxBy November 16, 2017 MORE IN Best Exercises When You Have Osteoporosis 7 Great Exercises to Ease Depression How to Exercise Safely With Neuropathy Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges