Question:
I’ve been told I have the early stages of arthritis in some of my joints. I enjoy exercising, but how will I be limited and what should I do? (Theresa, Oceanside).Answer
ANSWER:
One of the best ways to preserve your joints will be a controlled, planned-out exercise program. Here are the benefits as they specifically relate to arthritis:
- Strengthening the muscles around those joints will give them extra support.
- Maintaining and most likely increasing flexibility and range of motion.
- Boosting energy levels to combat fatigue.
- Controlling your weight in order not to overload joints.
Exercise intensity should be low to moderate for at least 30 minutes on most days that you can. The goal is to focus on expended energy, not hard, intense workouts. Keep within your pain tolerance; don’t push too hard. Stay away from high impact, bouncing and jumping activities, as this might stress your joints. Aim for walking, water exercises, swimming and cycling. Use caution and work your program around the joint pain. While you might have to cut back from time to time on your exercise program, you will adapt to this new lifestyle and be fine.
Listen to Frank Mikulka’s Weekly Fitness Tips every week on Debbie Mandel’s Turn On Your Inner Light Show every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 7:30 pm on WGBB 1240AM. Also available on www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/page3.html
