Exercise and arthritis.

roseswales92
roseswales92 Posts: 13 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I was wondering if could have a little advice on the best form of exercise to aid my weight loss. I struggle with exercise as I have arthritis. And am not too sure what form of exercise will help me to loose weight without a negative impact on my joints. Any ideas?

Replies

  • anglyn1
    anglyn1 Posts: 1,802 Member
    Walking is nearly always a safe bet. If you have access to a swimming pool that is a good option as well. Yoga and Pilates are gentle on the joints. Lifting weights can help strengthen the muscles that support the joints, you just need to start slow and maybe go lighter at least at first.

    Do you have OA or RA? I have RA which is currently well controlled with meds and diet for the time being. As such I can do a lot of things I wasn't able to before...even running provided it's on a trail and not pavement.
  • Fuzzipeg
    Fuzzipeg Posts: 2,301 Member
    I would like to wish you well. Exercise with arthritis can be tough. Might you feel able to go to a swimming pool? I was advised moving in water is the best way to take pressure off your joints. Alternatively do what you are able on dry land. Some find it helpful to use pain relief before they start to exercise, prevention being the key, this is good as long as you are not like me and sensitive to the salicylate which is a common component in many pain relievers. Ironically I discovered it was causing my pain and other issues.
  • roseswales92
    roseswales92 Posts: 13 Member
    I have RA. However I currently dont take any meds. As much as it seems a very good option im not too sure about swimming as I feel very uncomfortable in swimwear. Yoga and light weights sounds like very good idea. I was under the impression it wouldnt help with weight loss but maybe I was mistaken :). I do try to avoid pain killers but it could be woth a try. I will try to build up my confidence and get into swimming. Thank you so much for your advice. It's very much appreciated.
  • anglyn1
    anglyn1 Posts: 1,802 Member
    roseswales92 wrote: »
    I have RA. However I currently dont take any meds. As much as it seems a very good option im not too sure about swimming as I feel very uncomfortable in swimwear. Yoga and light weights sounds like very good idea. I was under the impression it wouldnt help with weight loss but maybe I was mistaken :). I do try to avoid pain killers but it could be woth a try. I will try to build up my confidence and get into swimming. Thank you so much for your advice. It's very much appreciated.

    Keep in mind that while it's good for you to exercise diet plays a much bigger role in weight loss than exercise does. For overall fitness exercise is great but you can lose weight without it!
  • jpena412
    jpena412 Posts: 42 Member
    I have a good friend with arthritis in his back. He has found a lot of benefits from regularly taking yoga classes
  • ziggy2006
    ziggy2006 Posts: 255 Member
    I have arthritis (sarcoid and OA) and find regular exercise to be important. I would strongly encourage you to talk with your rheumatologist to come up with a plan for incorporating more exercise into your life. Strength training can actually improve the functioning of your joints by giving you stronger muscles that better support the joints. Cardiovascular exercise is important, too, as inactivity can contribute to more stiffness and pain. I think having a discussion about exercise with your doctor will help you to choose appropriate exercises and understand how to start off slowly and make gradual increases to avoid injuries.
  • roseswales92
    roseswales92 Posts: 13 Member
    Indeed. Im starting to alter my diet as well. Early days still but hoping ill be able to stay positive and maintain it. Yoga classes sound a great idea. Thank you.
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    Resistance training is beneficial, it strengthens the muscles that support the joints.

    I strongly disagree with taking pain meds prior to exercise. Pain is a helpful signal when you're pushing yourself too hard. Masking that signal.could lead to an injury. The challenge of exercising with arthritis is learning how far to.push yourself without doing harm.
  • roseswales92
    roseswales92 Posts: 13 Member
    Im trying to get another appointment with my rheumatologist at the moment. I'll have chat with them about a few ideas too. Thank you.
  • roseswales92
    roseswales92 Posts: 13 Member
    That's a very good point about pain killers, I hadn't thought of that. And I'll have a look into resistance training. Tank you.

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