It’s a viscous cycle. You know your should exercise to lessen your arthritis, but your body hurts too much to move. You might not be able to do the activities you once could, but you can still be active. The hardest part about arthritis therapy is beginning it. It gets easier and easier once you keep at it. You can help your joints and your arthritis therapy by not being too demanding of yourself and not comparing your results with others.

Jump In The Water

Non-aerobic exercise means low-impact exercise that still gives your body a work out, but at much less stress levels. A lot of people find swimming, water aerobics or water walking to be their arthritis therapy of choice. Not only is it fun, but pools are widely available all over the country. Check to see if your YMCA, health club or gym has senior rates (if you are the appropriate age). Many towns and cities have senior centers that provide low-cost and monitored activities for seniors. Access to a pool is often one of them.

Tai Chi

There are many gentle and interesting arthritis therapies that you can do on dry land. There are many non-aerobic exercise systems based on centuries old Oriental techniques. These include yoga, Pilates and the martial arts. They not only promote balance, coordination and physical strength, but a mental serenity and a chance to relax from your worries by going into a series of various positions. Tai chi is one of the most gentle and is often encouraged for arthritis therapies because there usually is not a lot of bending or lying down involved. Since there are many schools of Tai Chi – some more gymnastic than others – be sure to let your instructor know of your arthritis so you won’t hurt yourself.

Gardening

Digging around in the dirt and clay is the arthritis therapy of choice for many others. This is something which takes you outside, gets you in eye contact with the neighbors and lets you express your creativity. It also gives gentle, repetitive motions and can be eased with arthritis-friendly gardening products. You’re never too old to garden. And gardening addresses the holistic nature of illnesses such as arthritis, which hurts not only your joints, but your sense of self-worth. If you don’t have a yard, you can always use flowerpots or a window box. Your senior center may also feature a communal garden for arthritis therapy.