Follow these tips to safe when you are exercising with arthritis

You probably already know exercise is good for you when you have arthritis, but it may be difficult to navigate your arthritis pain and other symptoms and still get in a good workout. According to the Harvard Health blog, it's natural to want to avoid exercise when something hurts as much as arthritis often does - but gentle exercise could actually help relieve your pain. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor about any exercise plans or new activities you want to try. Here’s a list of important safety tips to keep in mind when you begin to exercise.

Take it easy on your joints

A good workout will probably avoid high-impact exercises on any joints that are problem areas for you. While walking is a great choice nearly anyone can enjoy, most people with arthritis aren't going to jump at the chance to go for a run, for example. Another good option is swimming. It’s gentle exercise for your joints, as your buoyancy in the water takes the pressure off of them. Starting with something like walking or swimming will get you moving and give you the benefits of exercise without more joint pain or damage.

Pay attention to your pain

When you live with a chronic condition like arthritis, pain is sometimes just part of your day. If you wait until you're totally pain-free to exercise, you may never get that workout in. Instead, you should become more familiar with your arthritis pain. Check in with yourself regularly and determine what your baseline level of pain is. You can use a number scale or another method that makes sense to you, as this is just for your own reference. From there, you can determine whether working out is worth it during times when you're above that baseline. It's perfectly acceptable to skip a day if you're having a bad time with pain.

You'll also need to be aware of your pain during and after your exercise. If your baseline pain level increases during exercise, it may be a good idea to lower your intensity or stop altogether. There are some kinds of exercise pain you must pay immediate attention to, as well. This includes any sharp or extreme pain, a sensation of tightness in the chest, or pain that comes with numbness or tingling. If you experience any of these, stop exercising and consult your doctor. Finally, if you feel awful the day after you exercise - not just once, but consistently - you are probably pushing yourself too hard and need to find a less intense way to work out. You may also need to switch to exercise that is more accommodating to your joints.

With a little attention and forethought, you can successfully exercise with arthritis and enjoy all the benefits movement brings. Whether it's a pleasant walk on a warm spring day or a few laps of the pool before work, exercise can lift your mood and may even improve your arthritis pain.

For more on exercising with arthritis:

Knee and Hip Exercises for Arthritis
Pilates Exercises to Ease Arthritis Pain
Can Parkour Exercises Help Reduce Arthritis Symptoms in Seniors?