Exercise is an essential part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment program, and very beneficial if adopted and modified early-on to suit your lifestyle. And yet, even though it's been proven that moderate-intensity physical activity on a weekly basis helps relieve arthritis pain over the long-term, about 44 percent of adults with arthritis do not engage in leisure-time physical activity compared to 36 percent of adults without arthritis. That's significant! Low levels of physical activity can place them at a higher risk of functional limitations (due to muscle loss), obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which therefore can significantly decrease their level of independence. It's no wonder that arthritis is our nation's leading cause of disability! (Source: CDC).
So if you're a person with arthritis who's concerned about losing their independence, how else is exercise important for your health? Exercise can help improve your health and fitness without hurting your joints by:
Giving you more energy to get through the day
Strengthening muscles around your joints
Helping you maintain bone strength
Helping you control weight
Improving your mood and emotional well-being
Giving you an easier time when going to sleep
Learn more: Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness
It's important to remember, though, not to do anything that hurts. Do some stretching, start working on a different muscle group (or just do walking) for five minutes each day, and steadily work your way up to 25-30 minutes of exercise at least 2-3 times a week. It's recommended that you consult a personal trainer who is knowledgeable about arthritis to help you develop a personalized exercise routine that fits your lifestyle. Get Started: Arthritis and Aerobic Exercise
So if you're a person with arthritis who's concerned about losing their independence, how else is exercise important for your health? Exercise can help improve your health and fitness without hurting your joints by:
Giving you more energy to get through the day
Strengthening muscles around your joints
Helping you maintain bone strength
Helping you control weight
Improving your mood and emotional well-being
Giving you an easier time when going to sleep
Learn more: Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness
It's important to remember, though, not to do anything that hurts. Do some stretching, start working on a different muscle group (or just do walking) for five minutes each day, and steadily work your way up to 25-30 minutes of exercise at least 2-3 times a week. It's recommended that you consult a personal trainer who is knowledgeable about arthritis to help you develop a personalized exercise routine that fits your lifestyle. Get Started: Arthritis and Aerobic Exercise
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