Research from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Arthritis Foundation, as well as others, recommend that people with arthritis exercise.
Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and helps increase flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength. Other added benefits include weight reduction, improved sense of well being and sounder sleeping.
So let’s get started! If this is all new to you, the best way to begin is to begin slowly. It is always recommended that before you start any exercise program, you consult with your doctor.
Martin Memorial Health and Fitness will conduct a health history and pre-screening as well as seeking clearance from your physician before starting any exercise program.
It is proven through research that exercise does help manage the pain and stiffness that accompany arthritis. I also conducted some informal interviews with a few of our members at Martin Memorial Health and Fitness and here’s what they had to say.
Carolyn Jensen says she’s been living with arthritis, which runs in her family, for 20 years. Over the years it has gotten worse but she says, “If I don’t exercise, I don’t feel as fit and energetic and I feel stiff.” Carolyn’s fitness regimen includes stretching before and after tennis which she plays four times per week and works out at our gym at least two times per week.
Raymond Snyder says he has arthritis “from head to toe.” He’s been living with it for about 20 years. By the way, Raymond is proud to say he’s 90 years young. He adds that exercise “helps him more than any other form of treatment.” Ray has just returned to Florida and says “after being here just a couple of times, he feels better,” and “I get stiff if I don’t come to the gym. All I can say is that I’m OK for the whole day when I exercise.”
Doug Sisco has the early signs of arthritis in his knee and knuckles and says, “If I don’t exercise, I get more pains and aches.” Dolly Wilson has had arthritis for 10 years and says, “pool exercise helps with the reduction of pain.”
The Arthritis Foundation recommends starting slowly with flexibility exercises which are basically stretching exercises that will improve your range of motion and help with daily activities. They also recommend water exercise since it reduces stress on your hips, knees and spine.
At Martin Memorial Health and Fitness, we offer a variety of classes which include water exercise, Thai chi, yoga, pilates, low impact aerobics and stretch. Along with classes, we encourage you to start slowly with strength training and cardiovascular exercise. We’re here to help you get started and on your way to a more pain free lifestyle.
--Jane Reynolds
Health and Fitness Technician
Hospital South Health and Fitness
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