The right excercise

caraaz
caraaz Member Posts: 2
edited 8. Oct 2012, 07:18 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello.

I'm new to this forum and I'm guessing this has been discussed in the past. I know the benefits of exercise for OA but I'm really struggling to do any due to practical barriers. I work so can only exercise either in the evening- by which time I'm usually too tired or at weekends. I really cna't cope with walking long distances or gyms but I've found swimming is so beneficial but can't seem to find a suitable place to swim. I've 2 local pools- in one the water is freezing and makes swimming really uncomfortable on the old bones and the other is packed with families with young children so you can't actually get a good swim. I can't afford to join a private health club as that would solve the problem.
I had hydrotherapy for 6 weeks after having my knee ops and its was wonderful - warm water and a calm atmosphere. Why oh why do we only get 6 weeks hydro then get left to our own devices? Surely they don't think it cures the OA so why not have somewhere to go every week. I know it'd help me. I guess part of the answer is not enough resources are put into treating OA but surely it would be better than taking pain killers all the time?

Comments

  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and welcome to the forums!

    Cycling is highly recommended, and if you don't fancy braving the roads, get an exercise bike. Amazon has some mini ones where you sit on a chair or the bed and cycle, and you can then store it under a chair or similar, so it doesn't take up a whole room like the big ones. Do a search on there on "mini exercise bike". Good luck!
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello and welcome from me too!

    Just a thought re the hydro - at my local hospital, once you have finished your "course" of hydro, you can pay for further sessions. I seem to remember that this option wasn't widely advertised, I just found out by accident but it might be worth asking at your hospital if this is an option (if you haven't already done so). In my area there are also some local swimming groups for those with disabilites who hire out hydro pools for use by the group at weekends - maybe there is something like that local to you?

    I had the same difficulties as you - my local leisure pool is great, warm, with easy access into the water, but at the times I can get there, is always full of excited children which makes actual swimming very difficult - so I do understand your frustration.

    In terms of exercise in general, maybe a physio could advise you on appropriate exercise given your limitations.

    Hope you find something which works for you soon.

    Tilly xxx
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi!

    I found the pool too busy after work so I started going to the early bird sessions in the morning before work. It is hard due to being tired, but I am much more likely to actually go in the mornings than after work. Once the alarm has woken me up I might as well go! Is there an early session at your pool? Might be worth a go. Sets you up for the day and it is done so you can have the evening "off"!
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and welcome to the forum..
    There is always something you can do at home, but I really find it hard to get motivated....I used to work so hard at the gym, but after I could no longer go, I tried quite a few home fitness things...but they do get left in the corner...must say I think the bicycle is a good idea..or try for more hydro..x
    Love
    Barbara
  • pinkbritishstars
    pinkbritishstars Member Posts: 731
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    welcome to the forum - sorry I don't have any advice re exercise for you but just wanted to say hello and that it's nice to meet you :-)

    xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I'm not sure if this is of any use but I'll post it anyway! My rheumatology department runs a group for those with RA, they meet every Thursday evening and use the hydro pool. I think I remember reading that this group was open to other arthritics too (ie one didn't have to be an RA-er). There's a small charge of £2 per session, and after they have a cuppa, some biccies and a natter. I am lucky in that I live a five minute drive from my hospital but they organise lifts for each other. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Caraaz

    I read your thread and see that you enjoyed the swimming. This is great. :D Now the big question is, how determined are you? :wink: I thought immediately that swimming pools open early for people just like you that work full time. As Frogmella says, this is what she does. :)

    With determination, there is always a way. :wink: You could do stretching exercises at home before you leave for work. The exercise bike or wheels is a good idea. I got my exercise bike in 2008 on Freecycle after my first TKR. I still use that bike now, every single day. Hubby has made a new pedal for it so it is still in good working order.

    You have been given a few good ideas to mull over and I hope that you will be able to find a suitable time and place to exercise because it is important to do so, if possible.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know someone who goes to a hotel and uses their pool - could that be another option? It's always quiet there which is why she does this. My husband goes swimming twice a week before work but that means he has an thirteen hour day day as opposed to the usual twelve. He don't have arhtritis though, which helps. :wink: If you are working full-time then obviously you are going to be too tired in the evenings. What did you have done to your knees? I've only had synovectomies so far, I have at least another two years to wait before being considered for new ones. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi caraaz welcome. I don't know where you live but there must be a public or private gym somewhere near? My local council (Wirral has about five that I could join free being over 60, most have pools and they all have sessions for different age groups as well as public sessions.

    I chose to join a gym, TFitness and find it brilliant. I do have the motivation issue, working does make things difficult but I really get a good buzz when I go. I sometimes go with my son who is at school and stepson who works full time. If they can you can :)

    I did have a big problem cycling but can do that now, it still hurts but I know it will do me good so put up with the pain.

    The pools are also excellent and when I time it right I get there when they are almost empty.

    Some good advice already, try the internet and search for gyms near you, I'm sure you will find something :)
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have a feeling Caraaz is not keen to join a gym, Steve. :) I have, so far, never joined one either but prefer to exercise in my own home. :wink::D

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • SteveBurns
    SteveBurns Member Posts: 177
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi elna - everyone to their own, I was only giving some thoughts as she has tried swimming in the local pools :)

    Personally I do find exercising at home a little boring as it is limited whereas the gym is more social with others to talk to and there is a cafe for a drink/snack afterwards.

    I have a road bike at home but live on a hill so going out is easy but getting home is hard work, the bikes at the gym can be nice and easy or as difficult as you want.

    I also realise that working gets in the way but you are all aware that you only get one life and it is not a practice for something else :)

    The more we put into it the more we get out. :)

    I hope I don't make it look as though I have an easy, care-free life style, it is actually the opposite but we must make time for ourselves, I learned that on my recent therapy break :)
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I may be speaking out of turn here but surely it's a matter of horses for courses? I am not sure about caraaz's gender, age or circumstances but I think that Steve and others have tried to suggest ways in which he/she could find the benefit they seek. Mind you, they have not had the courtesy to reply as yet so maybe we are wasting our time and thoughts. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Goodness, Steve, you do not make it sound as if you have "an easy, care-free life style" at all and I take my hat off to you for all that you accomplish and achieve. I totally agree "we must make time for ourselves". Funnily enough we can always find the time to do the things we really like to do, but it is not always so easy to find the time for things that we know we ought to be doing, especially if we are not that keen!

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • Helenbothknees
    Helenbothknees Member Posts: 487
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    We're all different, when it comes to exercise and most other things. I like a mixture - exercising at home is indeed boring, too many classes takes up too much time. My exercise schedule for now, exactly three months to the day post-TKR, is as follows....

    Monday - about 10 minutes cycling on mini exercise bike. Longish walk on local footpaths if time, unless do major supermarket trip or something similar which gets in a lot of walking anyway.

    Tuesday - yoga class, been doing it for years, and I still think it's the best exercise around.

    Wednesday - Strength training at home - mix of exercises from hospital, physio, and TKR book, using ankle weights and similar.

    Thursday - hydrotherapy at local pool.

    Friday - as Monday.

    Saturday - as Wednesday

    Sunday - Off, unless I had another day off due to life getting in the way, in which case it all gets slightly altered.

    Working for me so far. May change when I get fitter....or get bored. :shock:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Gosh, I envy you that, Helen, in fact I envy everyone who can do what I can't. :lol: I'm off to imitate Jonny Wilko - yup, it's shower time. :wink: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben