exercise | Arthritis Information

does anyone do a regular exercise class with RA.

I started an aerobics class 4 weeks ago, although very stiff the first week, i now feel quite good, even been going while having a flare, just taking pain killers and steroids from gp for the flare, already on methotrexate.

I have lost 2 stones in weight since october, and decided i needed to do some exercise. I have found it easy going, and the instructor gave me some easier options to some of the exercises. But last night, i had a couple of dizzy spells during the class, and today and am so tired, really worn out.

I am having a lazy day, as i am just so exhausted.

yep..I've been on a break while recovering from surgery but I do and will be restarting as soon as dr oks an exercise program.

dizzy spells...how long before class did you eat. the dizziness was more likely a blood sugar drop than it was the RA

I ate at 5.30pm, my exercise class starts at 7 and i had a banana before i went to it. I do a aquasize class in the summer, its an hour long water exercise class and i love it. I dont do it through winter as I find the cold gets to me and makes me worse. I keep thinking about exercising.....

When the weather gets warm I'm going to start going for lunch time walks...

If I don't get off this prednisone and stop being compelled to put food in my face even when my belly is fully distended and ready to burst and I'm not a bit hungry- I'm going to blow up first.

I recently started exercising again. I used to be in great shape, I would do 5 miles a day on my elliptical and some weight lifting, I was a size 6 and felt great! Than, I got sick. Fast forward 4 years, 5 miscarriages, a year of steroids, and inactivity because of pain and swelling. Ballooned to a size 18.

I started back in November and I could only do about 5 minutes of stretching and maybe a few arm curls with really light weights and 5 minutes on the elliptical. Its been a long very hard haul but I was up to 30 minutes, about 4 miles, 8lb weights and lots of stretching. Than I had to stop my humira so I could start the remicade and my pain, swelling and fatigue got real bad again. I would do what I could but it wasn't much.

I had my first infusion last week Thursday and this morning I did 28 minutes, about 3.5 miles and moderate arm exercises. I feel good for doing it but am more sore than usual and very tired. I am just going to try to do what I can when I can until the remicade kicks in full swing but I don't want to lose the flexibility I have gained. I am aiming for twice a week right now until after my next infusion.

I am down 14 pounds. It should be more but I also have thyroid issues that they are trying to work out at the moment. I am eating just about 1200 calories a day and I am hungry! LOL!! But, I have a bridesmaid dress to fit into in a couple of months so I am trying really hard!!

I know its so very hard when we hurt but I think ANY exercise, no matter what it is will help. Water aerobics are great and a lot of local YMCA's will offer arthritis classes in the pool free with a dr's note!!
I try to exercise everyday no matter how I feel. For me, it seems to help. If I don't move enough, I seem to hurt more.I'm like Kelstev , I work out every day or I can end up stiff . Not always the same thing , I shift things around depending on the day and how I'm feeling .

But you need to listen to your body . If your getting dizzy you need to find out whats going on .

Are you drinking lots of water before during and after ?

I try to go to the gym every other day. My good friend is PT so she gets with me every few weeks and we work out a new routine. It has made me feel so much better.
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