Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause significant pain and swelling in your joints. When you have an RA flare up, you do not feel like doing much, but especially not working out. However, exercise is vital for those who have RA. When you do start working out, it is imperative you find exercises for rheumatoid arthritis that will work for you and your body to keep it strong. Working out has many benefits for your body, including keeping your heart and lungs healthy.
Does Working Out Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
In short, yes, it does. It might not seem like it because you are in pain, and you need to be careful what you do to avoid aggravating your condition. You might feel that anything you do can aggravate your RA, which is most likely why you are avoiding exercise. However, exercises for rheumatoid arthritis will help strengthen your joints and can even help you feel less pain during a flare up. While exercises will not cure this disease, it can alleviate many symptoms, giving you a happier life. Let’s take a look at a few exercises for rheumatoid arthritis that you can do from the comfort of your home.Â
- Walk Every Day
Walking is a great way to exercise when you have RA. It keeps you active and helps your heart stay strong while also not causing significant pain in your joints, specifically your knees and feet. When you walk, you want to make sure you are wearing the proper shoes so as to avoid pain from the impact. You can get great orthotic walking shoes that are perfect for those who have RA and still want to workout.Â
- Do Easy Exercises For Rheumatoid Arthritis Such As Tai Chi
Exercises for rheumatoid arthritis all need to be relatively easy on your joints. You should still do aerobics, which we will talk about later, but you should focus on things like yoga or tai chi. These are both very easy exercises for your body, and you do them ata slow, steady pace. You focus all of your breath in and out, working your body with your breathing. Try this to see your pain lessen, as well as watch your bodyas it grows stronger. Both yoga and tai chi will make sure you are stretching like you should while giving you gentle, yet powerful endurance training.Â
- Be Sure To Participate in Low-impact Aerobics
Low-impact aerobics are great exercises for rheumatoid arthritis and can help keep your heart and lungs healthy as well. You may not know just what you can do, but things such as riding a bike whether stationary or not is a great idea. This will help get your heart rate up, and give you the aerobics you need while also not hurting your already painful joints further. Promoting blood flow can also help ease the pain you have when you participate in low-impact aerobics.Â
- Consider Swimming
Swimming is a great low-impact aerobic workout and is one of several great exercises for rheumatoid arthritis. Water exercises are something many people find beneficial for their health as well as joint pain. If you do not want to participate in a water aerobics class, however, then swimming is perfect. You will not only be getting the aerobics you need, but will start working on strength and endurance just like you are when doing something like yoga.Â
- Do Mild Strength Training
As you look for exercises for rheumatoid arthritis, you will find thatstrength training is quite beneficial. When you are doing strength training for RA, you need to make sure that it is mild and not something that can cause further pain. It is best to seek out an individual with training in this field to make sure you get the most out of it. Again, things like swimming and yoga can also provide a bit of strength training, which can be great when done in connection with a mild course at a local gym or physical therapy location.Â
In Closing, Learn How Much is Too Much for You
When you are doing exercises for rheumatoid arthritis, you need to make sure you know how far you can go and if it is too much. Never push yourself beyond what you can do to avoid any possible injuries or flare ups. If you are looking for great orthotic shoes to wear when exercising for RA, then The Orthotic Shop is the place for you! We have several great orthotic walking and athletic shoes that will benefit you. Take a look today to find some that will work great.