If you suffer from arthritis, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 46 million American adults suffer from arthritis. Arthritis is usually thought of as an age-related disease, but it can occur to anyone, even children. You don't have to put your life on hold if you have arthritis; you can still exercise. Moderate aerobic activity can be beneficial for your condition, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Arthritis Symptoms
The most common symptoms of arthritis include pain, fatigue and inflammation, according to "Arthritis Today." These symptoms can sometimes make you feel like stopping your favorite activities and staying in bed. Chronic pain can be extremely difficult to manage and often only medication helps, along with alternative techniques such as meditation and applying heat or cold to the affected area. Fatigue is another symptom that can make you feel like staying in bed. It can be a side effect of inflammation, certain medications or conditions such as depression that can occur concurrently with arthritis. Inflammation can induce the other two main symptoms. It occurs when your joints become red and sensitive from swelling.
How Exercise Can Help
Exercise such as aerobics can help arthritis by decreasing fatigue, keeping your joints flexible and healthy, increasing your muscle strength and stamina and giving you a better sense of overall well-being, according to the Arthritis Foundation. In addition to aerobic activity, you also should incorporate stretching exercises and additional muscle strengthening resistance exercises. You might add yoga or tai chi to your weekly exercise regimen to increase your flexibility and promote stress relief, and incorporate isotonic and isometric exercise to help strengthen your muscles and joints.
Types of Aerobic Exercise
Swimming, bicycling, walking and dancing are all beneficial forms of aerobic exercise for arthritis patients, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Additionally, certain types of aerobics, such as chair aerobics and water aerobics, are tailored specifically to people with arthritis. Chair aerobics are helpful for taking the pressure off painful joints because you're supported by the chair. However, it still provides a beneficial cardiovascular and flexibility workout. Water aerobics also are useful for arthritis patients, because your body is supported by water. The water provides gentle resistance, so you get both an aerobic and a strengthening workout. The warm water is also helpful for alleviating pain and increasing flexibility. You can find chair aerobics and water aerobics classes at many community centers and fitness centers.
Warning
Consult your doctor before beginning an aerobic exercise regimen. According to the Arthritis Foundation, you might even want to consult a physical therapist to discuss your individual physical needs and concerns. Many exercises are not suitable during an arthritis flare-up. If you do have a flare-up, rest and talk to your doctor before resuming exercise.
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