Going to the gym

alykat
alykat Member Posts: 12
edited 11. Oct 2019, 14:06 in Living with arthritis
Hi

I am 60 years of age and relatively fit but want to improve my fitness levels, as well as Nordic walking and Pilates I also want to increase my upper body strength so I joined a gym. But I am really struggling with the equipment as I have inflammatory osteoarthritis in my fingers which is very painful and makes it hard to grip things. I have found that all the equipment requires me to have a good grip whether I am pulling, pushing or lifting. Does anyone know of any adaptions or gloves or something I can use?

Thanks for the input

Alykat

Comments

  • S3ren85
    S3ren85 Member Posts: 10
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Alykat

    I have a gym membership but since I had a very painful winter last year I haven't been! I do however use fingerless gloves that i order off amazon.co.uk that have grips on so they might work? My gym offer a free consultation service so maybe speak to a trainer and explain your situation and see what they advise :) good for you for making yourself go...its on my to do list!
  • khaleej
    khaleej Member Posts: 1
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    alykat wrote:
    Hi

    I am 60 years of age and relatively fit but want to improve my fitness levels, as well as Nordic walking and Pilates I also want to increase my upper body strength so I joined a gym. But I am really struggling with the equipment as I have inflammatory osteoarthritis in my fingers which is very painful and makes it hard to grip things. I have found that all the equipment requires me to have a good grip whether I am pulling, pushing or lifting. Does anyone know of any adaptions or gloves or something I can use?

    Thanks for the input

    Alykat

    Hello Alykat

    It would be more helpful to talk to a professional trainer.
  • alykat
    alykat Member Posts: 12
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    S3ren85 wrote:
    Hi Alykat

    I have a gym membership but since I had a very painful winter last year I haven't been! I do however use fingerless gloves that i order off amazon.co.uk that have grips on so they might work? My gym offer a free consultation service so maybe speak to a trainer and explain your situation and see what they advise :) good for you for making yourself go...its on my to do list!

    Thanks, I have found that all the trainers are about 12 and do not understand my limitations. Plus as I work full time any classes for the older person/not so able are in the day time. But I will try again. Not giving up yet.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,293
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I joined a local authority gym just before having a knee replacement revised. I found the young man (not 12 :wink: ) very helpful, warning me which machines I should avoid and which I should go on very briefy. Everything had to be set at the lowest level for me but he was great at helping.