The prostate is a walnut-sized organ that surrounds a male's urethra--the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate enlargement is a common affliction as men age, and can make urination difficult and painful. Exercise in general, as well as exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles, can be good for a healthy prostate.
Aerobic Exercise
Harvard Medical School studies report that men who participate in any sort of physical exercise are less likely to develop prostate symptoms than those who are less active. The more active you are, whether you participate in recreational sports or walk as your desired form of exercise, the lower risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia--a common form of prostate enlargement called BPH and associated problems such as erectile dysfunction. The Harvard studies show a correlation between the number of hours you exercise and your risk factors; five hours or more of aerobic exercise reduces your risk 30 to 50 percent more than men who only work out two hours every week. The reasons for the positive effect on exercise and prostate health are not quite clear, but may have to do with reduced testosterone levels that are seen in men that are very active.
Kegels
Kegel exercises, the same exercises that women do to strengthen the pelvic floor, can be beneficial to men who have prostate issues. Kegels strengthen the pubococcygeus muscle, which is located between the pubic and tail bones. Online resource Kegel Exercises for Men explains that doing kegels can improve urinary symptoms consistent with BPH and other forms of prostate disease, making urination less painful and completely emptying of the bladder easier. Find the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine, and squeeze them. Hold for several seconds and release. Once you have learned which muscles to contract, you can do kegels anywhere and as often as you like.
Relaxation Exercises
The American Urological Association reports that relaxation exercises may help to relieve pain from a swollen prostate. According to MayoClinic.com, relaxation exercises allow you to focus on one part of your body in order to relax your muscles, regulate your breathing or visualize a specific calming scene. Organized forms of relaxation exercise, such as tai chi or yoga, may be beneficial to prostate health, as well as self-relaxation techniques due to the combination of a physical workout and a calm mind.
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