Exercise And Rheumatoid ArthritisFor those people with rheumatoid arthritis, exercise may be the last thing they feel like doing. If you have inflamed, painful joints, the discomfort alone may be enough to discourage you from trying to exercise. Couple that with the fact that rheumatoid arthritis can impair one's range of movement, and it certainly makes being physically active challenging, to say the least. Benefits of Regular Exercise Regular physical activity should be part of your treatment plan for dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. There are a number of benefits to regular exercise when you have RA. These include: Exercise releases endorphins, the body's feel-good hormones. People who exercise may be experience less pain than those who do not exercise. Exercise strengthens muscles and joints. It also helps to keep bones strong. Exercise also improves one's outlook and self-esteem. Types of Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis Stretching exercises can be performed by almost anyone. They are very simple to perform; simply stretch a group of muscles slowly and hold for between 10-30 seconds. By including stretching exercises as part of your routine, you will increase flexibility. Resistance training is another option for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Working out with weights helps to strengthen muscles. Start off with light weights and slowly build up to heavier ones. Aerobic exercise should also be part of your exercise routine. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs. Choose low-impact aerobic exercises to decrease the likelihood you will put extra stress on your joints. Good choices are swimming, cycling, and using an elliptical training machine. One of the best (and most economical) exercises is walking. Almost anyone can do it and it doesn't require any special equipment except for a comfortable pair of shoes. Going for a walk outside is a wonderful way to relieve stress, as well. Some people find that walking in a nature area or along the beach is a great way to take their mind off their troubles. It is important to check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise program. Once you have been given the all-clear to begin, start off slowly. Exercises to Avoid Generally speaking, it is a good idea to avoid high-impact exercise, such as jogging. Ask your rheumatologist for a list of recommended exercises. A physical therapist can also help to design an exercise program that will fit your needs. Becoming More Active If you the idea of trying to "add" exercise to your daily routine is too daunting, you may want to try gradually increasing your level of activity. There are ways to add some exercise into your day without having to schedule a large block of time for this purpose. Here are some examples: Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further away from your destination instead of close to the door. Take your children or grandchildren to the park and play with them. There are a number of advantages to adding exercise to your routine if you have rheumatoid arthritis. You will increase your range of motion and likely have less physical discomfort from the disorder. Find something you enjoy doing and include it as part of your lifestyle. |