5 Tips for exercising with arthritis



Exercise will strengthen the muscles around your joints, build bone strength, help to maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints.  An arthritic joint that is not moved will become more stiff and painful than one getting some movement.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Applying heat (warm compress) to the joint before exercising may get rid of some stiffness
2. Warm up for 5-10 minutes with light marching, shoulder and neck rolls and easy walking
3. Plan your exercise at a time when feels right for your joints.  You may need some time in the morning to get moving before exercising so mid morning or early afternoon may work best.
4. Incorporate a variety of low impact types of exercise including range of motions exercises, strength building and aerobic exercise.  Next week I will share an exercise program that incorporates all 3 elements.
5. Apply cold to the joint after exercise if it feels inflamed.  If you have sharp pain in the joint more than two hours after exercise you have pushed the joint too far.

If you have questions about exercise and arthritis or live in the Greater Toronto Area and would like a personal trainer to work with you drop me a note erin@vintagefitness.ca.

Good Luck!

Erin

Vintage Fitness & Spirit50

Phone: 416-951-7978

Vintage Fitness is an in home personal training company in Toronto, Canada.  We specialize in energizing the lives of people over 50 with exercise. 

Spirit50 is an On-line personal training with an expert in 50+ fitness.  Inspiring movement for life.