RA & exercise

Sheenie17
Sheenie17 Member Posts: 11
edited 8. Jan 2013, 08:05 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi, I'm looking for some advice please.
I'm thinking of joining a gym, I suffer with RA in my hip and over the last year I've noticed I'm suffering aches and pains elsewhere. I don't need to lose weight as such, I'm just looking to strengthen up my joints and stretch them out. Just wondered how other people find it? Any tips?
Many thanks x

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Exercise is good for arthritis and, if you look at AC’s booklet on it (Publications and Resources) you’ll see which exercises are of most benefit.

    I’m just wondering if you typed ‘RA’ by accident, though, as it rarely affects just one, big joint. That sounds more like OA. Does it make any difference? Well, physios have always told me that, for my RA, I should take my joints through range-of-movement exercises every day, even when flaring, but go very carefully, or not at all, with the strength stuff then. I’m not sure this applies with OA. The only time I can’t exercise my OA ones is when the rest of me’s twanging :roll:

    You should be inducted at first so that you know how to use each machine. They’ll probably all be set at impossible levels having previously been used by Superman :) Don’t be afraid to take them right back down to zero. No point in knackering yourself at the first attempt. Good luck! Let’s know how you get on.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sheenie17
    I'm not sure if you know this, but your GP should be able to get you GYM membership at a reduced rate....you must make sure it is a good gym that understands your needs .
    Good Luck x
    Love
    Barbara
  • barry2013
    barry2013 Member Posts: 151
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I love to cycle, for me being out in the weather enjoying the wind etc is as much as the cycling, I just hate gyms. but whatever you do take care and have fun.
    Barry.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    We tread a very fine line between benefitting and further harming our joints. My PsA affected knees would react to exercise (especially the stepper and cycling) by ballooning those joints so I was stranded on the sofa like a beached whale. Hydrotherapy would affect every single part - in the water was fine but as soon as gravity hit - disaster! :lol:

    Low-impact is the key, especially for hips. Cycling is OK, maybe one of those cross-trainer efforts too, but don't let any enthusiastic (and non-arthritic) gym bunny push you further than you think you can manage. Good luck and I hope it helps. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Catie
    Catie Member Posts: 362
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sheenie,

    I have OA in my entire spine, my neck being really troublesome, and this affected my balance and walking badly. I was sent to an Ortho Surgeon for examination and he suggested that I do Tai Chi. I was shown some really simple exercises and they have really helped me. To the extent that I no longer need a stick. The improvement was very slow and I didn't think the exercises would make much difference.... How wrong I was :). Hope you find something to help :)

    Catie

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