Welcome to The Ostomy Studio. I’m Sarah Russell and I’m so glad you’ve found me. I’m a clinical exercise physiologist and specialist stoma coach and I’m here to help you wherever you are on your surgery journey.

The Ostomy Studio is a global online studio, where you can access a wide range of exercise rehabilitation classes and videos or book into my 1:1 online clinic for personalised advice and coaching.

If you’re looking for expert advice and coaching on exercise with a stoma, recovery after surgery or how to prevent or manage a hernia, then you’re in the right place.

I’ve lived with a stoma myself since 2010 so I know what life with an ostomy is like. I also have over 30 years of experience and am a registered clinical exercise physiologist, clinical Pilates teacher, cancer rehabilitation specialist and author of the International best selling book ‘The Bowel Cancer Recovery Toolkit’

VIDEO LIBRARY

On-demand library of stoma specific exercise class videos for all levels.

VIRTUAL 1:1 CLINIC

1:1 appointments /
consultations online.

LIVE CLASSES

Live online classes, webinars, classes and Q&A’s.

About the Ostomy Studio

The Ostomy Studio is for anyone who has ever had stoma or abdominal surgery.

Wherever you are in your stoma journey, whatever your age or fitness ability, wherever you are in the world – The Ostomy Studio is here to help you and you can rest assured you’re in safe hands.

You can learn to exercise in a safe way, safely strengthen core muscles, prevent or manage a hernia and rebuild confidence.

My mission is to help you overcome the challenges of life with an ostomy and to give you the confidence to move your body and get back to doing the things you love.

Some feedback from those on the journey

Chris

“Sarah really boosted my confidence to get back to exercise and an active life. Within 6 months I was skiing again for 11 days and also committed to a sea kayaking trip.”

Claire

“I was depleted on every level and totally lacking in confidence when I first met Sarah; but I have to say that reaching out to her was probably the biggest turning point.”

Karen

“Sarah’s classes are something you won’t find anywhere else – welcoming, ostomy-specific, ostomy-safe, supportive, and always at just the right amount of challenge.”

Latest articles

Have a read through my articles for tips, advice and information.

6.7 min read

Best hydration drinks when you have an ileostomy

  *This article is intended for information only and is not intended to be medical advice. Get personal advice from your doctor or specialist. It’s fair to say that the hydration drink market has exploded over ... READ MORE

3.5 min read

Pilates or Yoga? which is best for people with a stoma?

I’m hearing more and more from people having stoma surgery that their nurse has told them to do Pilates as part of their recovery. This is brilliant and a million miles away from ‘don’t lift a ... READ MORE

9.2 min read

Support garments, stomas and hernias – do they really help?

Support garments don't actually prevent hernias.  It might come as a surprise to learn that there is no conclusive evidence from randomised controlled trials proving that support garments can prevent hernias. The lifetime risk of developing ... READ MORE

9.2 min read

Navigating menopause with a stoma

  Navigating menopause when you already live with a stoma can bring about a whole host of additional challenges. In this article I'll take a look at these challenges and things you can do to help ... READ MORE

1.3 min read

What is Clinical Pilates?

My methods at The Ostomy Studio are underpinned by the concept of clinical Pilates. Therapeutic clinical Pilates is the recommended exercise method for anyone with an ostomy. It is a safe and progressive way to ... READ MORE

9.7 min read

How to plank safely after stoma surgery

For many years I admit to being ‘anti-plank’ for people with a stoma. I used to think it was an exercise that created too much intra-abdominal pressure and increased risk of parastomal hernia. However, over ... READ MORE

21.5 min read

Can you do the Cape Wrath Ultra with a stoma? It turns out you can.

After 13 years living with a stoma, I tend not to write about it much anymore. It’s so normal for me now that – in the words of a friend – my stoma is the ... READ MORE

8.9 min read

Parastomal Hernias.. how do we prevent them?

Warning.. soapbox topic. How do we prevent a parastomal hernia? Basically THE question on every ostomates’ lips. Well... I’m not sure we can. But hang on.. before you fall into a state of despair. Hear ... READ MORE

9.1 min read

Returning to running after stoma surgery

This article was first written by me and published in the journal of the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association. Reproduced in an edited version here. There’s no reason at all why you can’t ... READ MORE

7 min read

Heading back to the gym after stoma surgery? Work on your core first.

If you’re heading to the gym for the first time since your stoma surgery (or for the first time ever or since lockdown) you may be feeling nervous and excited. The idea of getting ... READ MORE

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