1. Take the Plunge
It's basic, it's easy, it's exercise in the water. Water exercise or water aerobics is just what you need to help your arthritis pain. Those painful joints that feel so heavy become light with the buoyancy of the water. A small pool or even a hot tub that allows you to stand up will work for doing water exercises. Water aerobic classes are readily available in many cities at public pools, country clubs, health clubs, therapy centers or even some senior centers. Ask your doctor to recommend a program for you. Take the plunge and see if it helps ease your arthritis.
2. Relax Your Muscles
Arthritic joints can really benefit from water exercise in warm water. The warm water will help relax both your joints and your muscles. Arthritic joints are tight and tense. The warm water soothes these joints and allows them to relax and become more flexible. Stiff muscles will relax and begin to stretch which allows them to start moving. Look for classes or locations with heated pool for added benefits over regular water exercises.
3. Strengthen Your Body
Exercising in the water actually rehabilitates your muscles through resistant strength training. Arthritic joints can become weak due to lack of exercise. Water aerobics helps you rebuild muscles without adding stress to the joints. The water supports your body weight allowing you to work the joints and strengthen the muscles within those joints. Stronger muscles help your ability to do simple tasks like walking, bending over, sitting and standing.
4. Get Your Heart Pumping
Your heart also benefits from the effects of water aerobics. Arthritis pain can keep you from doing regular aerobic exercises, which your heart needs to stay healthy. The water holds most of your body weight allowing you more movement and the more you move, the healthier your heart becomes. As you become more familiar with doing water aerobics, the more intensity you can put into your workouts. It's a winning situation for both your joints and your heart.
5. Feel Better About Life
The benefits you reap from water exercises are going to have a ripple effect on your life. You'll be moving again, and this will lift your spirits and elevate your mood. You'll want to engage in life instead of being a spectator. You'll feel better and your family and friends will notice the positive change in your outlook on life. You are being proactive at fighting your arthritis, rather than giving in to it. Bring a friend to your water exercise classes and you'll both have fun, meet new people and control your arthritis pain while doing your water exercises.
