Can You Exercise with Kidney Stones?

If you’ve ever had a kidney stone, you know just how intense the pain can be. So, naturally, many patients ask us: Can you exercise with kidney stones? Or even more to the point—should you exercise with kidney stones at all?

At Austin Urology Institute, we stay on the cutting edge of research and treatment.

Let’s dive into the findings—and what they mean for your health.

Does Exercise Help Kidney Stones?

A large-scale analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018 looked at more than 34,000 adults in the U.S. The study explored whether physical activity affected the prevalence of kidney stones.

The key takeaway? Individuals who engaged in moderate physical activity for 30 to 60 minutes per day had a 19.6% lower likelihood of having kidney stones. Their odds ratio was 0.804 (95% confidence interval: 0.700–0.923).

That means if you’re asking does exercise help kidney stones, the answer is yes—consistent, moderate exercise can help reduce your risk.

Interestingly, vigorous activity or varying exercise durations didn’t show the same benefit. The researchers even adjusted for water intake and still found the results held up. That means the effect of exercise for kidney stone prevention goes beyond just staying hydrated.

Can You Exercise with a Kidney Stone?

If you’re currently passing a stone or dealing with symptoms, you’re likely wondering: Can you exercise with a kidney stone? The short answer is—maybe.

Exercising with a kidney stone is generally safe if the stone is small and you’re not experiencing severe pain. Light activity like walking or stretching may actually help move the stone along. In some cases, patients find kidney stone pain relief exercise can ease discomfort.

However, if you’re in significant pain or dealing with a larger stone, rest is often the better choice. Always consult your urologist before engaging in physical activity.

Exercises for Kidney Stones: What’s Safe?

There’s no specific “kidney stone workout,” but there are several exercises for kidney stones that can support your body and your recovery:

Brisk walking (30–60 minutes daily)
Gentle stretching or yoga
Low-impact cycling
Water aerobics

These moderate-intensity movements are ideal for staying active without putting too much strain on your system. Remember, kidney stone exercise doesn’t have to be intense—consistency matters more than intensity.

Should You Exercise with Kidney Stones?

For prevention? Absolutely. For active symptoms? It depends.

If you’re feeling well enough, light movement may help. Does exercise help pass kidney stones? In some cases, yes—especially for small stones that may be influenced by gravity and movement.

But don’t push through sharp or severe pain. Talk to a specialist first.

Can exercise help kidney stones? The research says yes. Regular, moderate physical activity has been shown to reduce your risk and may support your recovery if you’re already dealing with stones.

At Austin Urology Institute, we believe in empowering patients with tools to take control of their health—whether that’s exercise, hydration, or advanced medical treatment.

Ready to build a personalized plan for kidney stone prevention or treatment? Schedule a consultation with our team today.