Non-swimming workouts for arthritis?

RoseCTomato
RoseCTomato Posts: 3 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all! I've just been diagnosed with arthritis of the spine at age 24 :(

Anyway, shortly before this diagnosis I recommitted to losing the extra weight with diet changes and a combination of running and 30 Day Shred.

I'm very concerned about the impact of both of these exercises considering that my cartilage is already wearing away despite my young age. Anyone have personal experiences to share? I'm looking for some effective (with regards to weight loss) but low impact exercises that will be safe for my spine. I know swimming is a big one, but I don't live close enough to an indoor pool for this to be a regular part of my routine. I do have an appointment with a specialist set up and will ask him for more advice, but that's not for a few weeks so I was hoping to see what others are doing in the meantime ^_^

Thanks! :smile:

Replies

  • bakingmadness
    bakingmadness Posts: 70 Member
    I have Psoriatic Arthritis in both feet, both knees and both hands. I was diagnosed at age 13. Besides swimming my doctor recommended walking either on on a track, around the neighborhood or on a treadmill (whatever I had access to) for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. If I was in pain he suggested breaking it into chunks like 2 15 minute walks before or after meals. Stationary bikes are also good. Stay away from stairs/stairmasters.
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    edited October 2014
    I have Rheumatoid Arthritis so my bodies immune system attacks my joints, joint tissues, major organs, and tendons on a 24/7 basis, some days worse than others.

    I don't have spine issues, so I don't think I can relate to your pain.

    My problems are my hands, wrists, elbows, hips, and knees mostly. My doctor told me initially to give up weight training(something I've enjoyed off and on the past 30 years), no running(something I was just starting). Well that left me to walking with a cane within months.

    Last year I couldn't take it anymore so I found new doctors that are proactive and they monitor me constantly.

    I started lifting heavier than I ever, ran 1600+miles while biking 500-700 miles. Best decision I ever made. The heavy lifting strengthened the muscles around my joints, and the running relieved stress which is the main cause of my flare ups and pain. One day I will be crippled more than likely, but I'm slowing the process as of now.

    * Remember exercising does not cause weight loss, diet does. You can lose all the weight you want with a small deficit in your diet. Exercise is conditioning you body.
  • yogicarl
    yogicarl Posts: 1,260 Member
    Do you live close to a group of outdoor swimmers? They would embrace you and your needs and show you the beauties of outdoor swimming and a whole new experience.
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    I have PA. My Rheumatologist suggested strength training. She said it helps take the strain off the joints. She's right, I've felt much better since I started strength training a couple years ago. She said walking was fine and that I shouldn't run. A few months back I was bored with all the walking an decided to give running a shot. My knees were stiff for 3 weeks - I'm back to walking again.

    As mentioned by Chief, weight loss is about calories. Get your diet under control to lose the weight.
  • RoseCTomato
    RoseCTomato Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks all for sharing! And esp. the advice my diet, I'm definitely paying more attention to it as it seems to be the key for weight loss. I have been walking and using the elliptical more lately as I find my pain is far less on days where I'm proactive about moving.

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