Exercise Suggestions | Arthritis Information

 

I power walk 5 miles a day, 6 days a week.  In the beginning, before meds, there were some tough days.  Now it's almost back to normal.  Most days my right foot is a little swollen and sore in the mornings.  After about a mile it feels much better.

 

Side note - I spend big money on shoes-running not walking.  And I replace them every 2 months.  Hope this helps, or is at least encouraging.  My hubby and I have started walking every day since the weather is warming up. (yesterday was ucky though! Damn cold fronts...) We're up to about a mile now and I've noticed that I feel better when I move. My feet hurt like crazy in the middle of the night, but I think that's from being still. I haven't really tried anything else other crunches. I've heard swimming and water aerobics are awesome. I can only walk 2 miles before my feet hurt too badly, but I walk daily.   I can't do much with weights because I have tender wrists.  I just discovered windsor pilates tapes. I think I have the oldest ones-- I bought them used off ebay.   These are only 20 min and not too difficult, which is perfect for me.  In addition to my RA and fibro, I have several degenerated discs in my neck and low back, plus problems with my knee and ankles, so there's not much exercise I'm able/allowed to do.  Basically the docs have told me to keep it to physical therapy in the pool, and walking as I'm able (which isn't much).

 

If you can get to the pool that is great.  Some of them even have arthritis exercise classes.  I'm doing physical therapy, but that will run out soon, so I may have to continue the same exercises on my own.  Some of my pool exercises have been walking or marching (forward and backward) across the pool, keeping my shoulders down and back, my pelvis tilted, and breathing in through the nose and out the mouth.  Doing small squats--holding the edge while moving as if I'm sitting down in a chair and then holding it.  Stretching my calves and ankles, and the like.

 

Although it's difficult, try to keep as active as possible, even if it's in spite of the doctor.  It will be better for you in the long run.

I walk two miles a day during my lunch hour (takes me 40 minutes).  My employer provides a fitness center for employees at a very low monthly fee.  I just can't get motivated to start. [QUOTE=wanttobeRAfree]I just can't get motivated to start. [/QUOTE] My hubby and I have begun walking before dinner, hurts but its nice for both of us. I remember as a kid doing it with my family, we would ALL go out together and walk around the neighborhood. Fun, us kids usually skated or biked, I liked skating better. Biz- I know. I've even experienced in the past but I can't get moving! All I have interest in is eating cookies even when i'm not hungry. It's like I'm trying to sabotauge myself for some reason. Walking is the world's best exercise. I used to walk everywhere. Probably a couple miles worth every day. I even did some of that while still on chemo. Wiped me out, but I wasn't going to let that stop me.

I can't quite do it now, but I am going to try to walk a stretch next week. Even walking around the house counts so don't be discouraged. I am going try some isometrics on top of that. Once I'm ready, bodyweight exercises are in order again.

The secret is to do something and build on that. Doesn't matter how small. I remember the first time I tried doing a wallchair a couple of years ago. 15 seconds into that squat and I thought I was going to crumple up!
[QUOTE=wanttobeRAfree]Biz- I know. I've even experienced in the past but I can't get moving! All I have interest in is eating cookies even when i'm not hungry. It's like I'm trying to sabotauge myself for some reason. [/QUOTE]