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.
Typically, when you are diagnosed with arthritis your healthcare practitioner will provide you with a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan that includes various types of arthritis exercises. This plan will also include any dietary restrictions and inform you of the various types of food known to reduce arthritis pain. Generally, this arthritis treatment plan will also include a list of foods known to aggravate arthritis symptoms such as red meat, dairy products, food additives, and processed foods.
There are a whole range of activities and exercises you can choose from even if you do have arthritis, though. Activities like yoga and tai chi are good for the body and mind. Weight training under supervision is another option open to you. Aerobic activities like dancing is always a fun workout and endurance building options like cycling will still be open to you.
Before embarking on any type of arthritis exercise program it’s best to consult with your healthcare practitioner to be certain the form of exercise you choose will not further aggravate your arthritis symptoms.
Health clubs are a great option, as are health products. These might seem expensive, but if you check, you might find out that your insurance company offers some kind of discount with health clubs and with health products. You can always make the best of such offers.
In addition, many health clubs offer up to a 50 percent discount to certain insurance members. The majority of these clubs offer private sessions with a qualified exercise trainer. Many of these trainers are well-versed in helping clients develop an arthritis exercise program suited to their needs. Typically, the cost of a personal trainer is not covered and will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Another option which is rather more cost effective is to join the local YWCA or the YMCA. Water aerobics is a fairly popular activity in such institutions, and it’s an activity that helps arthritis a lot. Not only is it helpful, it is also not a fatiguing activity and it is a lot of fun.
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 have applied heat to your joints, begin with a few stretches. Once you have finished your routine, cold packs will soothe the soreness in your joints. This will also help you reduce inflammation in your joints.
It’s important to choose an exercise program that you enjoy and one that does not cause you intense pain. If you dislike the form of exercise or if it causes an increase in pain, chances are you will not stick with the program.
