Exercise is an important component of managing arthritis symptoms and staying healthy, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Exercising on a regular basis can help to promote a positive mood and keep your joints healthy. If you suffer from arthritis, it's important to increase your flexibility and range of motion because stiff joints can cause pain, affect your daily functioning and impact your overall sense of well-being. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Tai Chi
According to the Arthritis Foundation, flexibility exercises that put little stress and strain on your joints include activities tai chi. You can purchase instructional DVDs for at-home practice or take a class that is specifically tailored to people suffering from arthritis. Tai chi was originally developed in China as a martial art. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, tai chi is now used to alleviate the physical and mental problems caused by certain health conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Tai chi is a low-impact exercise that can help to reduce stress and pain through concentrating and connecting your breath with slow, flowing postures.
Yoga
Yoga can help to increase your level of physical activity and promote joint mobility and flexibility. According to The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, yoga has been shown to reduce joint pain and muscle aches and increase feelings of overall well-being. According to The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, preliminary studies of yoga's effect on patients with arthritis show that yoga may help to increase joint health and can be a beneficial alternative to other forms of traditional exercises. As with tai chi, you can purchase instructional DVDs, take a class or read information online to learn specific beneficial poses for patients with arthritis.
Water Exercise
Exercising in water provides a stress-free, beneficial environment for alleviating pain in arthritis patients, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Water provides a gentle resistance that can help to increase your muscle strength and improve flexibility. Exercising in a heated pool or spa can also relax your joints and increase your circulation, providing a beneficial cardiovascular workout. You can find specific water exercise classes for people suffering from arthritis at many public pools, community centers, gyms and spas.
Walking
Walking is a beneficial form of exercise for almost anyone. If you suffer from arthritis, walking is a safe way for you to increase your muscle strength, improve cardiovascular health and maintain joint flexibility, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Walking puts very little stress on your bones and joints and may even help to increase bone density. Your joints will benefit from walking because it helps to shift the weight from your joints to your muscles, which can help to decrease pain, according to Arthritis Today.
