Yoga, a practice that involves meditation, breathing exercises, stretching, and holding poses, is a great option for many arthritis patients.

Some arthritis patients struggle to find an exercise routine that works for their physical limitations and pain levels, often leading to immobility and lack of exercise. Daily exercise, however, has a positive effect on arthritis pain and helps prevent other conditions that may be linked to arthritis, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Yoga, a practice that involves meditation, breathing exercises, stretching, and holding poses, is a great option for many arthritis patients.

1. Yoga is low-impact

It is important for arthritis patients to find an exercise routine that is low-impact and won't worsen their pain levels. Yoga is a great, low-impact activity that can be adjusted day-to-day depending on how much pain you are experiencing.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, research conducted by Dr. Sharon Kolasinski, a professor of rheumatology at the University of Pennsylvania, shows that yoga is a safe, effective form of exercise for many arthritis patients that poses little risk of injury or damage to joints.

2. Yoga improves joint mobility and flexibility

Arthritis patients often search for ways to maintain their joint mobility and flexibility despite constant pain. According to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, studies have shown that yoga may have a positive impact on joint health and overall physical functioning.

Most yoga classes involve a series of both strengthening and lengthening poses. Poses such as forward fold, cat pose, half lord of the fishes, and a reclining knee-bent twist are all gentle on the body and help stretch and lengthen the muscles and joints.

3. Yoga eases anxiety and depression

According to the Arthritis Foundation, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that anxiety and depression are very common in patients with arthritis. Yoga is often used by people suffering from anxiety and depression due to the contemplative nature of the exercise and the focus on calming ways of breathing.

The role yoga plays in easing anxiety and depression is supported by limited research. One study, conducted at Duke University and published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, determined that yoga may a positive impact on depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.

4. Yoga benefits cardiovascular health

Research from the American College of Rheumatology featured in the Wiley Online Library suggests that arthritis is linked to cardiovascular disease. Obesity, inflammation, and lack of mobility all contribute to this possibility.

Yoga may have a positive impact on heart health. A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, cited on Forbes.com, showed that yoga may have the same impact as other forms of exercise on a variety of measures of heart health.

5. Yoga may reduce inflammation

Joint inflammation is a key cause of pain in arthritis sufferers. In addition to its other benefits, yoga may have the potential to reduce inflammation. According to National Geographic, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that people who practiced yoga for three months saw a 10 to 15 percent reduction in inflammation markers. Sun salutations, child's pose, bridge pose and downward-facing dog are all gentle yoga poses that may increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.

If you're interested in trying yoga to manage arthritis, consult your doctor to determine what approach is best for you. And if you’ve already tried yoga, we’d like to hear from you! Add a comment below and tell us what you think of yoga.

For more on exercising with arthritis:

Pilates Exercises to Ease Arthritis Pain
Safety Tips for Exercising with Arthritis
Exercise Programs May Help with Arthritis