Arthritis and exercise

thomakg
thomakg Posts: 69 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Is anyone out there struggling with maintaining a good level of exercise and failing because of severe osteo or rheumatoid arthritis? My lower back is beyond redemption, and I am working on pain reduction and core strengthening, and I am able to walk (as long as I stop and stretch every km or so) and I can do some other machine cardio. I suffer a lot on off days and at night. Due to the arthritis in the shoulders and a tear, I can't do much swimming.. I can lift some weights, but only in limited ways. Any ideas? I'm not too overweight right now, but getting older and losing muscle tone all the time.

Replies

  • ashenriver
    ashenriver Posts: 498 Member
    Try low impact activities like tai chi. Go to the pool even if you cannot swim laps. One pool I go to actually has walking lanes. If its possible see a physiotherapist for some good exercises.

    I spoke to someone who has suffered from RA since childhood and she said that she realized she needed to use it or lose it.
    There was a time that she let the pain stop her from doing a lot and lost a lot of mobility. Then when she had to do a lot of physical activity and had to push through the pain, afterwards she noticed an improvement.

    My mom has RA and I have seen how deteriorating it is. It is a main reason why I am trying to get fitter now so when (if) I get diagnosed I will be in a better spot.

    Keep pushing

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