Arthritis & Exercise Equipment

Arthritis pain management often includes an exercise program. Exercise serves to strengthen the muscles that support your joints, and can alleviate swelling and stiffness. Over time, exercise can increase an arthritis sufferer's range of motion. Exercise helps prevent many health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle, which those with arthritis may adopt in response to arthritic pain. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center indicates that exercise doesn't aggravate arthritis -- all it can do is help. Aquatic exercise is gentlest on the joints, but there's no reason to avoid exercise equipment.

Treadmill

Everyone can benefit from walking regularly, especially older adults who are just beginning an exercise program. You can go outdoors and walk around the block, but that may not be enjoyable in cold or bad weather. When you use a treadmill, keep it flat. An incline might cause undue stress on your joints. You can log in as many miles per day as you feel comfortable with. Thirty minutes a day at a moderate pace, five days a week, is recommended. Learn how to operate all the controls on the treadmill before you begin. If the treadmill accelerates abruptly, you risk serious injury.

Cycling

A stationary or outdoor bicycle will help strengthen your leg muscles without pounding arthritic joints. If you chose an outdoor bike, set it to easy gears. A stationary bike is better if you have balance problems. Either way, begin slowly. "Arthritis Today" recommends three 5-minute sessions a day when starting out. Once you can accomplish that with no pain, increase your time.

Weights

Arthritis sufferers who have achieved a certain level of physical fitness can work out with weights, but should do so with caution. Don't perform squats with either handheld weights or bar weights across your shoulders, because the added pounds will put too much stress on your lower joints. Use weights or barbells for bending and arm extensions if your arthritis is limited to your lower limbs.

Recumbent Cross Trainers

Some recumbent cross trainers are specifically designed so users can avoid stress on their joints. The Arthritis Foundation lists the NuStep TRS 4000 as one of the best for your exercise program. This machine will help condition you to full range of motion, and will work out your upper and lower body.

Recommendations

Begin with short exercise sessions, and work up to more extended times incrementally with any equipment you choose. The key is to avoid rapid or hard motions that jar your arthritic joints. Slow, easy activity still reaps rewards. If you experience pain in your joints after exercising, consult your doctor. You may need to make some alterations to your routine. Don't confuse muscle pain with joint pain. A little muscle pain is normal in the beginning, especially if you have been idle for awhile.