Being active can be especially hard if you’re living with a condition such as arthritis and the symptoms that come with it, such as fatigue and reduced mobility.
Here’s some tips on how you can incorporate exercise into your daily life:
- Choose an exercise type that you think you would enjoy or perhaps revisit one that you have enjoyed in the past
- Strengthening, cardiovascular and mobility exercises have all been shown to be helpful in arthritis but the type is less important than the enjoyment factor and sticking to it long term
- There are no exercises that are off limits, at least in principle. Sometimes care needs to be taken and stepping stone exercises might be required to get to a particular activity but be reassured that any exercise will be helpful in the long term
- Whichever type of exercise you choose, start off at a lighter intensity and then build up slowly allowing yourself time to accommodate to the increase in intensity
- Some pain or even a slight increase in pain is ok during and after the exercise but it should settle back to pre-exercise levels in 24 hours, not be too severe, or coincide with protracted swelling, heat or redness of joints
- It might be appropriate to start your exercise in the pool where the decreased weight bearing will be more comfortable. Running, squats and lunges are all possible and practicing in the pool first will allow some time for your body to get used to the movements
- Choosing the environment that is right for you might require some experimentation. The gym is not the only option and for some exercising with a partner will be motivating whilst others might find it distracting. Pick your preference but be open to different options
- Consider your other health needs as diet, sleep, limiting smoking and keeping stress as low as possible are all just as important as exercise to manage arthritis symptoms
- If you get stuck, don’t know where to begin or are struggling with the symptoms consult a Physiotherapist who can complete a comprehensive assessment and give you guidance on how to implement your program
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