Prostate enlargement: Which exercises are most dangerous for men?

An enlarged prostate is a very common condition among men, especially those over 50, and can cause bothersome urinary symptoms , such as difficulty urinating, increased urinary frequency, urgency, or even urinary tract infections. And while modern medicine has found significant benefits in physical exercise, some may even be counterproductive to prostate health. Are there any dangerous exercises?

Carmen González Enguita, head of the Corporate Urology Service at the Quirón-Salud Group (Madrid) and spokesperson for the Spanish Urology Association, states that "there are exercises that are not at all recommended for the prostate and can even be dangerous for men." The specialist emphasized the importance of avoiding exercises that cause "small, repetitive blows to the prostate area," since "in addition to discomfort, these activities can promote urination disorders and even worsen the condition of the prostate gland." In this sense, the least recommended sports for those suffering from an enlarged prostate are the following:

• Cycling• Motorcycling• Horse riding

(READ MORE: The pain you may experience if your prostate is inflamed: specialists respond )

What sports are recommended?

Far from performing impact exercises, it is essential to do activities that relax the area: ▪️Kegel exercises for the pelvic floor Contract the pelvic floor muscles for 5-7 seconds.

▪️Aerobic training:

Aerobics: Swimming, running, cycling, or team sports. Strength: Squats, planks, push-ups, dumbbell rows, and burpees.

▪️HIIT Method:

The goal is to alternate sprints with exercises such as push-ups or pull-ups.

▪️Yoga postures:

Focused on activating the pelvic floor and improving circulation in the prostate area Why is physical activity so important?

As noted in an article published by the specialized website CuidatePlus, oncology and urology specialists warn that certain sports can aggravate the symptoms of prostate enlargement and negatively affect those with prostate cancer.

González Enguita emphasizes the need to always consult with health or fitness professionals before choosing an exercise routine, especially after age 40, when the risk of prostate enlargement begins to increase.

(READ MORE: Ditch them from your diet: the three drinks that are forbidden if you have an enlarged prostate )

According to data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), physical exercise has the potential to reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer, by up to 30%, due to its positive effects on general health , the immune system, and tolerance to cancer treatments.

Despite these warnings, exercise remains a powerful tool for overall health. The key is to choose the right activities and avoid those that can cause pressure or impact on the pelvic area.