Whether you suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, exercise can be the last thing on your mind when your joints ache and are swollen. But exercise can actually help relieve some of your symptoms while preserving your flexibility for daily living activities. While you may not be able to engage in high impact methods of exercise, low impact exercise can increase your quality of life, even when suffering from the debilitating effects of arthritis.
Importance
While the effects of arthritis may leave you wanting to rest, it's important that you incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your day at least five days per week. Not only can exercise help you preserve your quality of life, but it can actually help to combat some of the common symptoms of arthritis, like muscle stiffness. Exercise can also help you control your weight, which in turn can lessen the severity of some of your arthritis symptoms.
Beneficial Exercises
The right kind of exercise can mean the difference between symptom improvement and a worsening of swollen joints and stiffness. Look for low impact methods of exercise that allow you to move your body without pain. Water aerobics are especially beneficial for arthritis sufferers, as the water allows you a large range of motion without pain. Light walking, yoga and low impact aerobics can also help relieve stiffness and help you live a better life with arthritis.
Exercises to Avoid
Certain exercises could cause painful flare-ups and should be avoided when choosing fitness activities. Avoid exercise that could be considered high impact or revolves repetitive motion. Both could exacerbate your symptoms, making exercise painful long after you finish. In general, if your pain lasts for more than two hours after you've finished exercising, the exercise you chose was too high impact. Talk to your doctor about types of exercise that you should avoid for your specific symptoms.
Starting a Routine
If you've never exercised with your arthritis, talk to your doctor about starting a routine. Not only can he suggest some effective fitness activities, but he'll more closely monitor your exercise routine in order to fine-tune it for your abilities. If you're nervous about taking a class with arthritis, try renting a fitness DVD from your library. As you become more confident in your abilities, look for community classed geared specifically toward older adults or those with arthritis in order to make exercise a comfortable and beneficial part of your life.
