Why Exercise Matters When You Have Lipedema
If you’ve been diagnosed with Lipedema, you may have heard conflicting messages about exercise. Some say it doesn’t help, others say it’s essential. The truth? Movement is powerful. While exercise won’t ‘cure’ Lipedema or melt the fat away, it can significantly improve your overall health, reduce inflammation, boost your mood, and even slow the progression of the condition.
The key is choosing the right kind of exercise – workouts that support your lymphatic system, minimise strain, and help you feel stronger and more empowered in your body.
What to Look for in a Lipedema-Friendly Workout
Lipedema affects everyone differently, but there are a few consistencies that make certain exercises more effective – and safer – than others:
- Low-impact: Avoid high-impact moves that strain joints or cause trauma to affected limbs.
- Lymphatic support: Opt for exercises that stimulate lymphatic flow.
- Consistency over intensity: Gentle, regular movement beats sporadic high-intensity bursts.
- Listen to your body: Pain or swelling is a sign to scale back. Always adapt your workout to your own stage and symptoms.
Top Lipedema Workout Strategies
Here’s a breakdown of exercise types that many women with Lipedema find most beneficial:
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Water-Based Workouts
Swimming, water aerobics, or even walking in a pool are all great options. The water supports your body weight, reducing joint pressure, while the hydrostatic pressure naturally supports lymph flow. It’s gentle but incredibly effective.
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Rebounding (Mini Trampoline Workouts)
Rebounding is fun, easy on the joints, and stimulates the lymphatic system. Just a few minutes a day of light bouncing (your feet don’t even need to leave the mat) can be a game-changer. Start with 2-5 minutes and build from there. Click here to view the rebounder I use from bellicon.
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Walking (with Compression)
Simple and accessible, walking is a fantastic way to stay active. For best results, wear your compression garments to support your limbs, and aim for a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable.
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Pilates and Yoga
These practices build strength and flexibility while also focusing on breathing and body awareness. Chair yoga or gentle mat-based Pilates are perfect for beginners and can help with posture and core stability.
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Strength Training (Yes, Really!)
Many people fear strength training with Lipedema – but resistance exercises (especially bodyweight-based or with light weights) can help preserve muscle mass, improve joint health, and even boost your metabolic rate. Just avoid straining or overly aggressive moves. Think slow and controlled.
My Personal Lipedema Workout Routine
I alternate between short walks (around 30 minutes per day) and rebounding on my mini trampoline. Sometimes, I add 15-20 minutes of yoga or strength training with resistance bands. It’s not about pushing myself to the limit – it’s about moving in a way that supports my body, reduces pain, and helps me feel good in my skin.
Important Tips Before You Start
Before you lace up your trainers or hop on a yoga mat, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Start slow – 10 minutes is enough to begin with then build it up from there.
- Use compression garments – especially when walking or on your feet for long periods.
- Stay hydrated – water supports lymphatic drainage.
- Elevate and rest after workouts – this helps your body recover properly.
- Track how you feel – not just your weight or measurements. Energy, sleep, mood and swelling matter more.
Exercises to Avoid with Lipedema
Some movements can make symptoms worse or increase discomfort:
- High-impact cardio like running or HIIT
- Jumping exercises (outside of gentle rebounding)
- Excessive weightlifting with poor form
- Long, strenuous hikes without breaks
Always check with a specialist or physiotherapist familiar with Lipedema before starting a new program. Please bare in mind the above exercises are generally not recommended for Lipedema sufferers, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t be effective for you. Everyone reacts differently.
So, What Is the Best Exercise for Lipedema?
The best exercise for Lipedema is the one that supports your body, feels sustainable, and fits into your routine. Whether it’s swimming, rebounding, yoga, or simply walking – regular movement can help manage symptoms, improve lymphatic health, and boost your confidence. Remember: progress looks different for everyone.
With the right approach, exercise can be a powerful tool in your Lipedema management toolkit. Although I’m not an expert, I’ve been exercising consistently for over 15 years and have a specific routine that works for me. Send me an email
so****@li***********.com
if you’d like some support in crafting your own Lipedema workout plan.
Disclaimer: My blogs talk about Lipedema, diet, surgery and much more. I’m talking from my point of view to help women, and remind them they are not alone. I am not a medical professional, so the content above is from my own perspective with research I have done into the topic. It’s not meant as medical advice, you should always consult your doctor or a specialist for both your diagnosis, and a treatment plan.
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Sophie is the founder of Lipedema and Me and Find a Surgeon. A fellow Lipedema sufferer based in the UK, she’s experienced first-hand the challenges of getting diagnosed and accessing surgery. Today, her mission is to support other women with Lipedema – raising awareness, sharing resources, and helping others feel less alone on their journey.