Peritoneal Dialysis and Exercise

Being active is very good for your health and can help you feel better while on peritoneal dialysis.

The general information below can help you plan for safe and comfortable exercise while on peritoneal dialysis. If you have any questions, talk to your dialysis team or to your kinesiologist or exercise therapist.

Lifting after getting a peritoneal dialysis catheter

• Wait at least 4 to 6 weeks after getting your catheter before lifting anything heavy (over 10 pounds) or doing activities like shoveling snow, vacuuming, or carrying groceries. 10 pounds is just a little bit heavier than the weight of a 4 L jug of milk.
• After 4 to 6 weeks, you can slowly increase the amount of weight you lift, to whatever is comfortable for you.
• If something feels too heavy, do not lift it.
• Try not to tighten your belly muscles too much or hold your breath while lifting something. Breathe normally and keep your belly muscles relaxed when lifting. Focus on breathing through your movements.
• If your job involves heavy lifting, talk to your peritoneal dialysis team or your kinesiologist.

Exercising

• Light walking is safe and encouraged right after getting your catheter.
• For activities that are not associated with high pressure in your belly, like walking, hiking and jogging, your peritoneal dialysis fluid does not need to be drained before you exercise. If you feel uncomfortable exercising because of “fullness”, talk to your peritoneal dialysis team or your kinesiologist to see if exercising when “empty” is an option for you.
• If your catheter position was recently changed or made accessible for your peritoneal dialysis (exteriorized), wait 2 to 4 weeks before doing activities again.

Swimming

You might be able to swim in a clean pool or saltwater if your catheter site is fully healed. Speak to your peritoneal dialysis nurse before trying to swim to see if this is an option for you.

Core (stomach) exercises

Building core strength is good. A strong core can lower your risk of problems like hernias. Crunches or sit-ups are not recommended if you are on peritoneal dialysis. Talk to your dialysis team or to your kinesiologist or exercise therapist for core strength exercise options.

Sports

• Gentle sports like golf, biking, and lawn bowling are good options.
• For more active sports like volleyball or running, it’s better to be empty.
• Contact sports like football and hockey are not recommended. They can cause damage to your catheter.
• If you are going back to a sport that you have not played in a while, take it slowly. For example, with golf, start by hitting a few balls with a small swing and build up slowly over time if it feels OK.

Keeping your catheter safe during activities

• Use adhesive tape to stick the catheter to your skin during sports or movement.
• A peritoneal dialysis tuckaway belt can also keep your catheter safe. Ask your dialysis team for help choosing the best one for you.
• Flexible netting products like BurnNet or Flexinet can also keep your catheter safe during activities, but these are not as secure as tape or belts.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_peritoneal_dialysis_exercise_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: January 08, 2026

Author: Alberta Kidney Care

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.