Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Exercise is any activity that increases your heart rate above normal!
Exercise is essential to relieve and cure arthritis.
Most sufferers of arthritis do not exerciuse because they fear exercise can aggravate their symptoms - this is far from the truth.
Without exercise the muscle graduality deteriorate and a vicous circle of even less exercise and even more arthritic pain occurs.
Exercise helps keeps muscles strongs and joints supple. Stronger muscles are less prone to arthritis.
To stop this you must exercise regularly. Start slowly and gradually increase it until you feel comfortable. Build up your regime slowly and do not overdo any exercise during the earlier stages.
Types of exercises
Cardio exercises
Cardio exercise help strengthen the heart and help control weight in your body.
When people think of exercising they automatically think of jogging. The truth, however, is that jogging is one of the most damaging of all exercise and it can damage and tear muscles and tendon.
The best form of exercise for arthritis sufferers is walking. Do not underestimate the benefits of walking. Walking is gentle on the body and is suitablefor most sufferers. Do wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing when you start.
Cycling is a great cardio exercise. J
Strengthening exercises
Weight bearing and reisistance exercise help strengthen muscles - strong muscles help reduce injuries and the pain of arthritis.
Start with small weights or even use your body as a form of resistance. Gradually increase the weight and the repetitions to help strengthen your muslce even more.
Stretching exercises.
Stretching helps keep joints and muscle supple. Supple muscles and joints are less prone to injury and reduces the risk of arthritis.
Be careful when stretching and do warm up before you begin. Start off by gently stretching the affected areas (all joints would benefit from stretching but if you prefer you can begin by only stretching the affected joints).
Exercise tips
- start off gently and slowly build up, little but often is the key to successwith exercise
-Dont overdo it, stop exercising when you feel any pain.
-Range of motion exercise is best done first thing in the morning and last thing at night to ease and prevent stiffness.
-Do something that is enjoyable. I enjoy cycling because it is easier on the joints and also because I can relax and enjoy the canal side scenery that goes by when I cycle.
-Never stop moving, this is essential. Morning stiffness occurs because your body has not moved much during the sleeping hours.
-Wear comfortable shoes that will cushion some of the shcok of exercise. If your have flat feet please consult a orthopedic doctor to help you.
-Avoid high impact activities that can jar your joints.
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