Gout hinders body functioning by depositing excess uric acid into your joints, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This disease causes pain, swelling, tenderness and redness of the joints. As part of living a healthy lifestyle, exercises can play an important role in the prevention of gout. Not all exercises may be suitable to your individual situation. Check with your doctor before starting.
Aerobic Activity
Aerobic activity can reduce joint inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Aerobics improve overall heart health and endurance. Aerobics burn calories and are a useful tool for weight management purposes. Obesity increases the risks of developing gout, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderately-intense physical activity weekly will improve your joint and overall health. Activities include walking, swimming, aerobic dancing and bicycling, according to the American Heart Association.
Fun
Exercises that provide fun increase your chances of staying with them. Instead of dreading your exercise, you can look forward to it. Playing a variety of action-based video games can be a fun way to get your body moving, according to the American Heart Association and Nintendo. Games can be played solo or with others. Tennis, hockey, bowling and skiing can be played with video games. Training modes include yoga, strength training, aerobics, balancing games and specialized aerobic activities. Intensity levels can vary according to your preference. In addition to exercising to prevent gout, you can get your family and friends involved. This provides socialization and decreases isolation.
Joints
Keeping your joints as flexible as possible can help prevent gout. Flexibility exercises, also known as range of motion exercises, stretch your joints and keep them limber. Stretching exercises can be done as part of a warm-up routine to prepare you for your overall workout, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Flexibility exercises can make a for gentle workout, as in yoga or tai chi. Stretching warm muscles and keeping your joints flexible reduces your chances of injury.
Everyday Activity
Exercise in the prevention of gout can come from everyday activities. Taking stairs instead of elevators, walking during lunch breaks, riding your bike to the corner store or lifting hand weights while watching television can all count as physical activity. Parking your car further away from building entrances will help. Household activities such as gardening, landscaping, manual lawn mowing and leaf raking will all fit in with physical activity guidelines, according to the American Heart Association.
Bones and Muscles
Strengthening exercises play an integral part of a well-rounded exercise program to prevent gout. Muscle-building exercises can increase bone density and strength, which minimizes your risks of fracture injuries. Strong muscles can support joints and keep bone structure properly aligned. Strength-increasing maneuvers improve your joint stability, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Weight-bearing activities such as walking and lifting weights fall into this category.
