No one wants to be diagnosed with arthritis, but the truth of the matter is, many people are. Just because you have received that news does not mean you have to stop living life. You can still do many of the same things you did before the arthritis diagnosis, and that includes exercise. In fact, exercising when you have arthritis can help your pain and other symptoms associated with the condition.
Exercise is great for anyone with arthritis. Try to add some sort of moderate exercise to your daily schedule. Even if it is a short walk, that is better than nothing. With consistent daily exercise, you will find that your arthritis’ symptoms can be eased and you can feel much better. The key to the exercise helping you feel better is consistency.
Start Slowly
If you are new to exercise, it is important that you do not jump in full steam ahead. Begin slowly with your exercise routine. As you feel more comfortable with exercise and the exercises that you do are becoming easier for you, increase the time you exercise and the intensity. It is important to remember, though, if something hurts you need to stop and decrease the time or the intensity of which you are doing that exercise.
Sometimes arthritis can cause you a lot of pain. If this is the case, only exercise when you feel able to. If certain days or times during the day you feel a lot of pain, do not make yourself exercise. By doing so, you can cause even more pain. If your joints are hot, you should also avoid excess exercise during that time. You do not have to be totally still, but only do what you think your body can handle and what your doctor recommends.
More Is Not Necessarily Better
While it is true that moderate exercise can help relieve some of your arthritis, it is not necessarily true that the more you do the better you will feel. It may seem like since a little exercise makes you feel a little better that a lot of exercise can make you feel lots better. That is not the case. Keep your exercise at a moderate level for best results and if something seems like it is too hard, stop and only do what you can.
Use Proper Form
If you’re working out with weights or weight machines, always use proper form. Having an improper grip or stance can put massive amounts of stress on your joints. If possible, try to begin exercising at a gym or therapist’s office. These professionals can correct the way you are exercising, and prevent you from causing unnecessary injuries.
Consider Yoga or Tai Chi
Think about signing up for yoga or tai chi classes to learn stretches and exercises that will ease pain and improve your well-being. Because they involve moderate movements like stretching, relaxation, and muscle toning, they can be of great help to people who suffer from arthritis. If you are uncomfortable going to a class, start your own routine at home with the help of a DVD. When you work out with a DVD, you can still get a wonderful exercise session, but you will not have to leave your house.
Water Exercises
Get in the water. Water aerobics is a great low impact exercise for arthritis sufferers, because not only does it put minimal strain on joints, it also provides resistance for strengthening. Plus, it can be very relaxing! If you are uncomfortable with doing this in large groups, learn a few moves and take to the pool, or just get in there and swim! You will quickly become more comfortable.
Listen to Your Body
What is your body telling you? Does it love the exercise and feel better after a good workout? If so, keep working out and doing what your body craves. Or, is your body in tremendous amounts of pain following a workout? If this is the case, the exercise amount, time or intensity you are doing is not what your body needs. Monitor what your body is telling you and alter your exercise accordingly.
Exercise is one of the best medicines for arthritis. It is a great help in reducing pain and stiffness in your joints. It will increase your flexibility and the strength of your muscles which will help your body avoid further injury. Make sure to make time every day for exercise and you will see the benefits.
I hope you will use this information to help you use exercise to manage your arthritis. Not only is exercise good to help you lose weight and get healthier, but it is great for relieving the pain and other symptoms that arthritis can cause.
