Exercising for those with arthritis is a challenge. The idea of trying to do a workout when arthritis limits your ability to move may seem daunting. However, those with arthritis benefit from working out because they can hold on to their strength and increase their range of motion. This is especially true when doing abdominal exercises which will help build core strength.
Leg Lifts
Know that this exercise will help you maintain the strength you have and perhaps get stronger even as you fight the effects of arthritis. Lie down on a hard floor. Put a towel roll under your neck. With your arms by your sides, lift your feet about 12 to 14 inches off the ground. Try to hold your lift for three seconds. Return to the starting position. Try to do 10 reps. As you get more comfortable doing this exercise, you can go up 12, 15 or 20 reps.
Walking in Water
Many of those who suffer from arthritis enjoy being in a swimming pool and working out. Swimming is a great exercise but that may not be viable for many with arthritis. Walking in waist deep water can provide a top-level abdominal workout. As you walk in a manageable depth of water, lift your knees as high as you can get them. Continue to walk in this manner for 10 minutes if you can manage it. This is quite beneficial for your abdominal muscles.
Arm Curls on an Exercise Ball
Sit on an exercise ball and find your balance point. Take hold of light weights in each hand. The dumbbells should be no more than 3 lbs. each. Curl them up to shoulder height. By doing this on the exercises ball, your core and abdominal muscles should be tensing during the process. Do 10 curls with each arm and take a 30-second break. Repeat the set.
Qigong Exercise for Abdominals
Qigong exercises are derived from the Chinese Tai-Chi exercises. Qigong exercises are not taxing to the system but can help build strength and range of motion. One of the best exercises is called "Cloud Hands." Stand with your knees slightly bent. Raise your forearms so that they are are parallel to the ground. Turn your palms upward. Twist slowly to the left and then bring your hands back to center. Then twist slowly to the right and return to center. You should be completing this movement by twisting at the waist. Do this for about five minutes at your own pace.
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