Unlocking the Benefits: Exercise and Arthritis
Living with arthritis poses its unique set of challenges, and if you’ve ever wondered about the role of exercise in managing this condition, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the world of arthritis and explore why exercise is not just good but essential.
Arthritis brings with it a host of symptoms that can make even the thought of exercise seem daunting. However, the first myth we need to debunk is that exercise exacerbates arthritis. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. Exercise is powerful in your journey to managing arthritis.
Tailoring Your Approach: Understanding Your Body
Before you embark on an exercise regimen, it’s crucial to recognize that one size doesn’t fit all. Arthritis comes in various forms, and so should your exercise routine. Understanding your body’s limitations and capabilities is the key to crafting an exercise plan that works for you. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
The Science Unveiled: Why Exercise Works
Research consistently highlights the myriad benefits of exercise for arthritis. It’s not just about breaking a sweat; it’s about promoting joint health, increasing bone density, and boosting muscle strength. Beyond the physical, exercise has been shown to improve mood, combat depression and anxiety, enhance sleep quality, and reduce the risk of associated conditions like heart disease.
Four Pillars of Arthritis-Friendly Exercise
The American College of Rheumatology recommends four types of exercises to weave into your routine:
Flexibility Exercises: Think ankle circles or knee bends – these maintain or improve joint flexibility, contributing to better posture and reduced injury risk.
Strengthening Exercises: Engage in activities that work your muscles a bit harder, providing crucial joint support and helping counteract bone loss associated with certain arthritis medications.
Aerobic Exercises: Embrace rhythmic activities like walking, cycling, or swimming to improve heart, lung, and muscle function, while also managing weight and reducing heart disease risk.
Body Awareness Exercises: Activities like yoga or tai chi enhance posture, balance, and coordination, fostering a holistic approach to arthritis management.
Arthritis sufferer or not, we’ve all felt the temptation to stay sedentary, especially when faced with joint pain. However, as those who have experienced the cycle will attest, inactivity begets more discomfort. It’s a paradox – the less you move, the more it hurts.
In conclusion, exercise isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity in the toolkit for managing arthritis.
If you are ready to embrace the tailored routine that suits your needs then get in contact and find out how I can help.
The post On World Arthritis Day Unlock the Benefits of Exercise appeared first on Whole Life Fitness.
Helen
Having worked in IT in London for 15 years I was made redundant in 2009. I had trained as a gym instructor whilst working and decided I would rather spend the rest of my career doing something I loved than look for another job in IT. I furthered my qualifications with a Certificate in Advanced Personal Training from the highly regarded Premier Training. Many personal trainers are generalists covering all areas of fitness but I took the decision to specialise in the over-50s and therefore went on to do a CYQ Award in Functional Training for the Independent Older Adult Level 3. My focus is on overall health rather than fitness. I believe that making small changes can have a long term positive effect on health and well-being.
