Being given a diagnosis arthritis can seem like a death sentence for someone with an active lifestyle. The types of exercise you once enjoyed may be off-limits when you have the painful condition. Exercise is typically recommended for individuals with arthritis, however, because it can significantly improve quality of life. After checking with your doctor, choose types of exercise that are safe and effective for individuals with arthritis and you'll be able to stay active while avoiding excess pain and joint deterioration.
Significance
Arthritis can rob you of some of your most basic abilities. By exercising on a daily basis, you can preserve your range of motion, flexibility and even decrease some of the painful symptoms of arthritis, the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center reports. By exercising, you can even help slow bone loss and counteract some of the condition's side effects. The trick is to choose the right type of exercise, which won't aggravate your symptoms but can still help you live a better quality of life, even with arthritis.
Exercises to Try
Exercises that are low-impact and easy on your joints, yet include a wide variety of range-of-motion exercises, are best for those with arthritis. Water aerobics are particularly appropriate and recommended by "Arthritis Today" magazine. In the water, you'll be able to move your body without the risk of impact and sore joints. Yoga can also be beneficial by helping to increase your flexibility with a low-impact workout, which can help contribute to maintaining the ease of daily living activities.
Exercises to Avoid
The wrong types of exercise can cause pain and even exacerbate your arthritis symptoms. Types of exercise that cause you to move your joints in a repetitive motion can cause pain for hours after your workout. Avoid high-impact aerobics and running; the impact of the motions can be jarring to your joints. In general, if you experience pain for more than two hours after your workout, you're exercising too hard, warns the Mayo Clinic.
Precautions
Talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise routine. Depending on the stage and type of your arthritis, some kinds of exercise may be better than others for keeping your body spry and flexible. Look for classes and facilities that cater especially to older adults or those with arthritis to ensure that all types of exercise are targeted toward people like you and your abilities.
