The term arthritis encompasses a group of diseases that affect the joints, causing inflammation and pain. These symptoms can cause arthritis sufferers to avoid movement, decreasing their overall health and quality of life. But exercise provides many benefits for people who suffer from arthritis, and finding the right exercise group can give you a new enthusiasm for movement.
Exercise Benefits
Exercise helps prevent and address conditions such as cardiovascular illness, diabetes and obesity. Exercise helps people with arthritis manage the disease. Movement can reduce joint stiffness, build flexibility and strength, and even help manage pain. The right exercises improve circulation, build muscles to support your joints and combat fatigue. All of these benefits can lead to improved sleep, better range of motion and even a greater sense of self-esteem.
Group Exercise Benefits
Group classes can help people with arthritis gain the confidence and motivation they need to exercise. Research published in the July 2005 journal "Preventing Chronic Disease" found that arthritis sufferers benefit from group exercise sessions. In particular, participants felt they received social support from the instructor and others who experience the same arthritis symptoms that they do. Participants also stated that the ability to exercise at their own pace, use compensating equipment such as chairs, and learn new exercises safely motivated them to continue coming to group classes.
Exercise Types
People with arthritis can enjoy group exercises on land or in the water. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends four types of exercises for people with arthritis. Strengthening exercises use exercise bands or light weights to build muscle to support your joints. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, improve your circulation and help strengthen your bones. Range-of-motion activities help create and maintain flexibility and movement in your muscles and joints. Exercises for balance and agility help prevent falls and keep you nimble for everyday activities.
How to Find Classes
Check with your doctor or local hospitals for group exercise classes for those with arthritis. For example, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation website provides information on exercise programs sorted by city and disease, including arthritis. Call your local college or university to ask for listings of school-sponsored classes. Contact City Hall and request a list of community-based activities. Also, check with groups such as your local Arthritis Foundation office, YMCA or YWCA to see whether they offer group exercise classes.
Warning
Speak to your doctor before you begin an individual or group exercise program, and ask for guidelines about the best exercises for you. Your doctor might direct you to begin exercising at a slow pace and guide you over time into moderate and more vigorous activity levels. She may also prefer that you perform aquatic exercises to limit the direct impact to your joints.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Introduction to Exercise
- CDC: Preventing Chronic Disease--The People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) Program: A Qualitative Evaluation of Participant Satisfaction
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Oseoarthritis
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Community Based Exercise Programs
