8. Walking
Walking is a step in the direction of improving your arthritis symptoms. It lessens the strain on your joints by reducing both stiffness and inflammation. Walking keeps your heart healthy and your bones strong. Losing weight is a bonus. If you want to challenge yourself, get a step counter and set daily goals. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and walk on flat, level surfaces. Avoid turning your walk into a run; the impact of running is not good for your joints.
After your workout, remember to cool down. If you experience pain during your exercise, don’t work through it; not all exercises are ideal for everyone. Your priority is to work out in a way that doesn’t provoke joint pain.
You can still meet your fitness goals with arthritis. You may have to modify your routine with some of the suggestions above. Be mindful of your limitations, and you will set yourself up for a successful fitness regimen.
Resources
Arthritis-Health (Exercising with Arthritis)Up to Date (Patient Education: Arthritis and Exercise (Beyond the Basics)Natural Arthritis Treatments (6 Awesome Benefits of Pilates in Arthritis)Arthritis Foundation (Water Walking 101)Arthritis Foundation (Stationary Bike)
Many people confuse rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis because both diseases involve the joints and have the word “arthritis” in their names.
