Health Network News

The right kinds of exercises can help people lead productive lives even with arthritis, but the irony is that arthritis can prevent people from doing traditional kinds of exercises - going for a brisk walk, jogging or weight training is not possible for people who have to deal with inflammation in the joints, because of arthritis.

Once you are told that you have arthritis, your lifestyle has to change. The normal workout routine you used to follow must change. Your doctor will give you a treatment plan, which will include foods and exercises that will be good for you, and ones that you must avoid. Usually, you will be advised to avoid exercises that are hard on the joints. You might also have to give up some of the food you love - red meat, processed foods, additives and dairy products are known to aggravate the condition.

Some of the most popular arthritis exercises include yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, weight training and muscle strengthening, range-of-motion exercises such as dance, and aerobic and endurance exercises such as cycling.

However, it is important not to take matters into your own hands - talk to your doctor and get advice before you start on a new exercise program, or you might end up aggravating your arthritis instead of alleviating it.

Health clubs are always a great option, but they can be expensive. Some insurance companies offer subsidized memberships at very good health clubs with their policies. You might even get great deals on products like workout videos and health supplements.

One of the best things about health clubs is that a personal trainer is one of the options open to you. Even with the discount that you get with your insurance policy, you might have to pay from your pocket for such services, but this will give you access to training programs uniquely tailored for your needs.

Another option is to look into joining your local YMCA or YWCA. Oftentimes, these organizations offer water aerobics, which has shown to be effective in decreasing arthritis pain. Water aerobics is a very gentle form of exercise and can be performed by nearly everyone. It involves sitting in a shallow pool and conducting gentle resistance exercises.

Just as warming up is important before you work out, when you have arthritis, you need to get your joints warmed up - literally. Applying a heat pack to your joints for five to maybe fifteen minutes can help you enjoy your work out more, with less discomfort.

Once you do apply heat, a few light stretches will get you all set for your exercise routine. Once you are done with the exercise, do some light stretches again and then cold packs to your joints to get any inflammation that might be present back under control.

Two things are very important when you start with your exercise routine - you must enjoy your routine and you must be comfortable with it. Even if you have arthritis, your exercise program should not cause you any intense pain, and you should have fun doing it.

Share This