Rheumatoid Arthritis exercise help please

I have RA and didn't exercise for the longest time because I was afraid I would aggrevate it and cause more flare-ups. Thankfully, my meds have kept the RA under control minus a few mild flare-ups and I have been able to work out on a regular basis. I would say one of the lowest impact exercises would be swimming then the recumbant bike. Whatever you do, if it starts to hurt, stop but don't let it deter you from trying again. I joined a gym and paid for person training sessions. I made sure the trainer knew I had RA and if something bothered me or didn't feel right, I would let her know and she would just have me do other exercises. I do think the more I exercised, the more it helped my RA because I have recently decreased the number of times I work out (due to motivation challenges) and I have been having a few mild flare-ups.

If you need someone to talk to or want to be pals on MFP, let me know! We could always use the extra support!

Jinny

I have RA, diagnosed at 19 and now 27. Long story short, I put on weight, it got worse and to the point I could hardly walk this past winter. I started MFP in April and it has helped a lot!

First and foremost, make sure you have your RA under control as far as meds go.

Second, take it SLOW. I started by walking for 20 mins a day, then 30. Then added elliptical. Swimming is definitely great, especially on those bad days. Just take it nice and easy, your body will let you know if you are pushing to hard. And you don't want to over do it because you'll then spend the next few days or week recovering from a flare up.

As far as food, I cut out pop and watch my acidic foods such as oranges because those cause flare ups. I like food way too much to go gluten free.

Make sure after exercising, you ice and stretch really good! It helps!!

Believe it or not, strength training helps. I have RA bad in my knees, left wrist, and elbows. I couldn't do squats, lounges, or push ups. I started boot camp with my Mom on Monday nights with a small group of ladies and I was scared. I didn't know what to expect and wasn't sure I could do everything. The trainer rocks. She knew about my RA and showed me alternative ways of doing things or working those muscles. Thanks to strength training (and cortisone shots) I can now do modified push ups, lounges and squats, no problem.

I'm 16 pounds lighter, feel great and I am able to run again (although took past few days off due to knee).

Just know, you can do it! And exercise makes it feel so much better. Months ago I would of laughed at someone if they told me I'd be here today.

This may go against conventional wisdom, but I have Lupus and I work out everyday, and it has helped tremendously. I also eat a low-inflamation diet. Feel free to add or message me.

I will do a search about anti-inflammatory foods and try that. I am willing to try anything that might help me. Thank you for the advice.

My mom's rheumatologist finally had her go gluten free (I had been recommending it for MONTHS), so she finally did it. It has made a HUGE difference. Since gluten intolerance and RA are both autoimmune conditions, the inflammation from gluten intolerance can flare the RA. She also uses the elliptical because it is low impact, and I am trying to get her to go swimming with me.

I have Fibromyalgia...not as severe as an RA diagnosis, but I agree with the anti-inflammatory foods. Things like spinach and other dark leafy greens contains quercetin which inhibits the production and release of histamine and can can reduce joint inflammation.