When a person first realizes they have arthritis exercise may be the furthest thing from their mind. They have felt the pain from the degenerative disease and after reading up on it may believe that exercising may actually cause additional pain. However, most doctors recommend that those with arthritis exercise regularly to help reduce the affects it can have on the joints.

One of the first things doctors tell their overweight patients with arthritis exercise can help them lose excess weight, taking some of the load off the affected joints. Regular, moderate exercise can help maintain mobility, reduce stiffness and increase flexibility and stamina. The operative word is moderate as high-impact exercises such as running and jumping may increase the pain from the bones in the affected joints rubbing together. Additionally, arthritis exercise programs performed in the water can help maintain the exercise regimen while limiting the stresses placed on the joints.

When first considering an arthritis exercise plan, many people will continue to put off starting, but the important think to remember is to begin slow and work their way up to more demanding exercises. Beginning with stretching and exercises designed to improve flexibility will help maintain the motion needed for everyday activities around the house. Having access to a swimming pool can also be a benefit as when in the water the weight is reduced on the knees, hips and ankles and water exercising can help get the body ready for more strenuous workouts.

Comfort Is Key To Exercise Program

As a person progresses through an arthritis exercise program, and feels more comfortable performing the exercises, they can move into weight training. This can help build up the muscles around the joint, which will take some of the stress from the bones and reduce the amount of pain associated with arthritis. Simply short walks will help build the leg muscles and learning yoga can help with flexibility. Another important aspect of arthritis exercise plans is they consist of low, or non-impact activities.

Exercise can also help strengthen the heart muscles and help reduce the possibility of coronary problems. Many who shun the thought of an arthritis exercise plan will end up living a stagnant lifestyle, which can create other health problems unrelated to the arthritis. While the excuse that exercising causes arthritis pain to grow worse may seem plausible, not exercising can actually cause the pain to become for consistent. Some form of low-impact exercise will help reduce the pain and strengthen the joints to help the patient live better with arthritis.