What type of exercises or exercise programs seem to work with RA?
My knees seem to bother me, and I was thinking that water aerobics might be better. My mother does water aerobics, but she is 80...and I just can envision me exercising with my mother and her friends. I may have to swallow my pride and jump in.
I have in the past lifted weights and I still like to do that, I just have trouble learning that I can't do certain types of movements - like squats and lunges
I noticed in one of your earlier posts that you are nurse? What area do you work? I'm an oncology nurse.
I'm a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner. I pass-gas three days a week and work as a NP as needed. I did research for a while on a grant that I received investigating the effects of the the 1st Desert Storm on our AF medics (very interesting, but I did miss the direct people contact). I have a Doctorate in Nursing.
I applaud you being in Onocology. I see the nurses starting the IVs (I do their PICC lines) and giving such loving care to their patients. It takes a very special person to have your heart and skills.
I also love using the elliptical machine and exercise bike.
Dr. Cheryl,
I am a way big fan of water aerobics! When I started it in 1999 I was having major knee problems and trouble walking. Within a few months of starting water ex, building the muscles that support the knee joint, I was 80% better. When I started it was almost exclusively older women in the classes, but now there is more of a mix. We have 6 men attending regularly, a wider age range, and ALL body types
I don't go to a class designed for arthritis patients, I simply modify the workout to what is appropriate for my level of pain that day. I've found the exercise improves, not only my pain levels, but my attitude. It's also the only exercise program I have been able to sustain over time.
I encourage you to give it a try
zzoi
P.S. I won't keep calling you Dr. Cheryl, but I wanted to acknowledge the hard work it takes to earn PhD.
My knees were very swollen following the gym, but now I'm concentrating on isometric exercises for my legs and the other stuff for the rest of my body. Knees seem to be better.
I will definitely try the water. Mother is very excited that I'll be joining her in the pool.I've been looking into water aerobics too. When I'm feeling up to
it, I like dance classes (or even playing Dance Dance
Revolution). If it is fun, I'm less likely to be put off by the
pain.
Strength training is very good. It helps with joints and builds string muscles...6xmum tell me how you became RA Negative. I have been diagnosed since 2001. Now have developed prednisone indced osteo. Want to ween from prednisone...please advise... June here sorry mispell prednisone induced osteoarthritis...had bone density test which revealed it...
need to ween from prednisone..the after effects are not good....June,
Sorry to be confusing... I should probably change my signature.
By RA negative, I just mean that my rheumatoid factor is negative, but
I have RA anyway....
[QUOTE=cheryl]
What type of exercises or exercise programs seem to work with RA?
My knees seem to bother me, and I was thinking that water aerobics might be better. My mother does water aerobics, but she is 80...and I just can envision me exercising with my mother and her friends. I may have to swallow my pride and jump in.
[/QUOTE]
in my opinion its the best natural treatment
The best exercise I have found is water .I live in H.S. AR. and we have the natural hot water that we use in the pool at our hospital It is by far the best thing I have found.
Bobby
I joined Curves after giving the rheumatologist the brochures, and info on it...he told me that, walking, (and water aerobics) should be the only type of exercises I should be doing. Curves uses all hydraulics for their machines and it's easier on your joints than what Gold's Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, etc use...no weight machines at Curves.
I'm a really lousy swimmer and although i do swim, I'd never be comfortable enough to do exercises in the water, so Curves works well for me. The only machine I don't use there is the one that has you do the squats. Tried it, it hurts, I don't do it anymore.
That's interesting to hear...I guess I always assumed Curves would be bad...not sure why though:)