The first thing to know about arthritis is that it’s not just one disease; there are over 100 different types! But despite their differences, they all share some common symptoms: joint inflammation (swelling), stiffness in joints, painful joints when moving or exercising, limited range of motion in affected joints. That means that if you have arthritis, then your body probably feels stiff or sore after sitting idle for long periods of being inactive for most of the day. Exercise can help alleviate these symptoms by increasing circulation and reducing joint inflammation.
The good news is many types of exercises can be beneficial for people with arthritis, including cardio, strength training, and stretching exercises. This article will provide you with helpful tips about finding the best activities for your specific type of arthritis and condition. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have an existing condition like arthritis.
Low Impact Cardio
If you have arthritis, high-intensity cardio is counterproductive. Instead, low-impact exercises like walking are best. These exercises allow for less stress on the joints and reduce inflammation. Walking is known to be one of the best activities for those living with arthritis because it can improve your mood and relieve stress while reducing pain at the same time.
Begin by setting small goals instead of trying to go all-out right away. For example, maybe your goal could be just 10 minutes of daily walking or 30 minutes twice a week until getting used to exercising regularly again becomes more enjoyable for you.
Stretching & Joint Mobilization
Stretching is an excellent way to increase your range of motion and reduce stiffness, which can be helpful for those with arthritis. When stretching, it’s important not to force your body too much-if you feel pain, stop immediately or risk making the condition worse. Stretching should never hurt! Many different stretches focus on other body parts, so find one that targets your specific joint problems, such as hips, ankles, toes, etc. Don’t forget to warm up before performing any exercise by doing some light cardio or walking. If you’re interested in joint mobilization techniques, check with a physical therapist before trying anything at home; joint mobilization involves moving the affected joints slowly and gently to stretch the muscles and increase circulation.
