Getting In Shape When You Have Arthritis
If you’re dealing with arthritis, you can still enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Remember to talk to your health care provider before you start a new exercise program. Then try these GetFit tips:
- Every exercise session should include flexibility and range of motion activities like stretching and dancing
- Monitor the intensity of your activity closely. A fitness professional can help you learn your individual heart-rate zone and find exercises to keep you at a safe level Primus
- Try to be active at least 3-4 times a week for at least 30 minutes a day. You can break the 30 minutes down into 5-10 minute intervals throughout the day.
- Don’t forget to warm-up for about 10 minutes to get the blood pumping and the muscles loosened up, as well as a 10 minute cool-down to stretch everything out before you’re done
- Try to increase your activity levels as you get stronger
- Inform your physician if you have any abnormal signs or symptoms before, during or after activity
- Never continue to the point of pain
For more tips on exercising with arthritis, click on the link below to the National Institutes of Health’s web site addressing the issue. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/arthritis/ arthexfs.htm