The onset of arthritis may put paid to your hopes of high-intensity, high-impact workouts but that doesn’t mean you should stop exercising altogether. Exercising will help to keep you fit and healthy, and it could stop your arthritis from getting any worse too. A lot of people who develop arthritis are encouraged to lose weight as this puts less pressure on their joints and exercise is a great way to achieve this.
Here are four ways to stay active when suffering from arthritis.
Swimming
Swimming is a cardiovascular exercise which means that it makes your heart beat faster. It works your whole body at the same time, so it is great for losing weight, increasing stamina, and building muscle. If you build up your muscles around your arthritic joints, this will take the pressure off your joints. You do not bear your own weight in the swimming pool as the water does this for you, which makes swimming easier on the joints than a lot of other exercises.
Water Aerobics
If you have always enjoyed aerobics, gymnastics or dancing, you may feel upset if your arthritis gets in the way of you enjoying these activities. However, help is at hand in the form of water aerobics. This activity is great fun, and you get to try out new routines to music in much the same way you do with dancing or aerobics. As with swimming, the water bears your weight which makes this activity great for arthritis. Many people find that the temperature of the pool has a huge impact on their condition, so it is worth finding classes in both warm and cool water to see if this makes a difference to you.
Walking
Although walking is a weight-bearing exercise, you can do it at your own pace and modify the intensity if you have mobility difficulties. Getting outdoors is a good way to increase your mental health as well as your stamina. There are many local walking groups you could join if you don’t want to exercise alone, and this could lead to some great new friendships.
Yoga
Most practitioners will encourage you to take yoga at your own pace and not try to keep up with others. This is a great exercise to try if you have arthritis as it stretches your body and helps to relieve stiffness. It also builds the muscle around your joints and improves your flexibility which will have a great effect on your posture and balance.
Before You Start
Before you take up a new exercise program, check with your medical practitioner or a specialist such as those at Kneecare Clinics who can advise you on the best exercise program for you. They can make recommendations and even suggest surgery if they think that you are a suitable candidate.
You do not have to give up exercising entirely if you have arthritis. Choosing the right form of exercise can make a world of difference and help you to manage your condition well.
