Arthritis can keep people from exercising - when the joints are inflamed, exercises and activities like walking or weight training can become very painful and difficult. These are challenges that can be overcome, though.
Once you are told that you have arthritis, your lifestyle has to change. The normal workout routine you used to follow must change. Your doctor will give you a treatment plan, which will include foods and exercises that will be good for you, and ones that you must avoid. Usually, you will be advised to avoid exercises that are hard on the joints. You might also have to give up some of the food you love - red meat, processed foods, additives and dairy products are known to aggravate the condition.
Exercises that help keep arthritis in check cover a whole range of activities. Yoga and tai chi not only keep your body fit, but also keep your mind calm and focused. Water aerobics, muscle strengthening and weight training are also activities that help. Other exercises like dance and aerobics, and cycling can also help control arthritis, when done in moderation.
Before embarking on any type of arthritis exercise program it's best to consult with your healthcare practitioner to be certain the form of exercise you choose will not further aggravate your arthritis symptoms.
Nowadays, most of the major insurance companies provide their members with discounts to health clubs. Some even offer discounts on health products such as exercise videos and dietary supplements. Oftentimes policyholders are not aware of these discounts, so be certain to check with your insurance carrier to see if they offer these types of discounts.
One of the best things about health clubs is that a personal trainer is one of the options open to you. Even with the discount that you get with your insurance policy, you might have to pay from your pocket for such services, but this will give you access to training programs uniquely tailored for your needs.
If the prospect of joining a health club and getting a personal trainer does not appeal to you, water aerobics at a local institution, like the YMCA or the YWCA, is a great option for you. These exercises are not only gentle enough to make sure that your arthritis is not aggravated, but also a lot of fun to do, as a group.
Just as warming up is important before you work out, when you have arthritis, you need to get your joints warmed up - literally. Applying a heat pack to your joints for five to maybe fifteen minutes can help you enjoy your work out more, with less discomfort.
Once you do apply heat, a few light stretches will get you all set for your exercise routine. Once you are done with the exercise, do some light stretches again and then cold packs to your joints to get any inflammation that might be present back under control.
Two things are very important when you start with your exercise routine - you must enjoy your routine and you must be comfortable with it. Even if you have arthritis, your exercise program should not cause you any intense pain, and you should have fun doing it. - 16083
Once you are told that you have arthritis, your lifestyle has to change. The normal workout routine you used to follow must change. Your doctor will give you a treatment plan, which will include foods and exercises that will be good for you, and ones that you must avoid. Usually, you will be advised to avoid exercises that are hard on the joints. You might also have to give up some of the food you love - red meat, processed foods, additives and dairy products are known to aggravate the condition.
Exercises that help keep arthritis in check cover a whole range of activities. Yoga and tai chi not only keep your body fit, but also keep your mind calm and focused. Water aerobics, muscle strengthening and weight training are also activities that help. Other exercises like dance and aerobics, and cycling can also help control arthritis, when done in moderation.
Before embarking on any type of arthritis exercise program it's best to consult with your healthcare practitioner to be certain the form of exercise you choose will not further aggravate your arthritis symptoms.
Nowadays, most of the major insurance companies provide their members with discounts to health clubs. Some even offer discounts on health products such as exercise videos and dietary supplements. Oftentimes policyholders are not aware of these discounts, so be certain to check with your insurance carrier to see if they offer these types of discounts.
One of the best things about health clubs is that a personal trainer is one of the options open to you. Even with the discount that you get with your insurance policy, you might have to pay from your pocket for such services, but this will give you access to training programs uniquely tailored for your needs.
If the prospect of joining a health club and getting a personal trainer does not appeal to you, water aerobics at a local institution, like the YMCA or the YWCA, is a great option for you. These exercises are not only gentle enough to make sure that your arthritis is not aggravated, but also a lot of fun to do, as a group.
Just as warming up is important before you work out, when you have arthritis, you need to get your joints warmed up - literally. Applying a heat pack to your joints for five to maybe fifteen minutes can help you enjoy your work out more, with less discomfort.
Once you do apply heat, a few light stretches will get you all set for your exercise routine. Once you are done with the exercise, do some light stretches again and then cold packs to your joints to get any inflammation that might be present back under control.
Two things are very important when you start with your exercise routine - you must enjoy your routine and you must be comfortable with it. Even if you have arthritis, your exercise program should not cause you any intense pain, and you should have fun doing it. - 16083
About the Author:
Gary Pearson is an accomplished author.
