How Exercise Can Help Your Arthritis Pain

Can you exercise if you have arthritis? The short answer is YES after you get your physician’s approval and guidance, of course! But you know I can’t just give you the short answer! Here’s why it’s so important to include exercise in your week if you have arthritis!

Including resistance/weight training in your workout can:

• Increase strength and flexibility
• Reduce joint pain
• Strengthen the muscles around your joints that will help to support and protect them
• Help maintain bone strength
• Improve balance

Doing low-impact aerobics can help:

• Improve the functioning of your heart and lungs
• Decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Increase endurance
• Get you in a good mood

Some low-impact aerobics that can benefit people with arthritis include swimming, water aerobics, walking, and biking. Also, adding tai chi and yoga can be helpful to increase flexibility and range of motion.

If you have arthritis and are just getting started with an exercise program, it is best to start with 5-20 minutes a day 2-3 days a week and progress to 30 minutes 3-5 days a week. If you experience a flare-up of arthritis, then reduce your workout time and intensity and consult with your doctor. And always be sure to start with a gentle warm-up and allow time to cool down.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way.