Hey Everyone!
I have been thinking about exercising just a lil'. I cannot walk much (makes my feet & toes hurt), I cannot get in & out of the floor by myself (I have to plop down to the ground & when getting up I have no strenght to raise myself up & have to get hubby to get me out of the floor). I wanted to try to firm up my "mushy & flubby" legs and firm up my tummy, kinda still have a flubby belly after having Andrew. I was thinking if I firmed up my belly and thighs & hips I would be able to wear my clothes again. PLUS, it would probably give me more energy, which I need.
So I was wondering if anyone has tried a trampoline? I would think it would be easier on the knees & joints. But not totally sure. Just wondering if anyone has tried it and what ya'll thought of it, before I made hubby spend on one....lol.
lol id be scared of a trampoline. but then again ive lost alotta muscle do to inactivity. but ive read a whole bunch that excersizing is so important for people with RA. Also alot of places have recommended water aerobics. Just because it eases pressure off major joints and still gives you a good work out. but good luck on your trampoline. just be careful please!!! heheHi Jooniper -
I'm sure a trampoline would be great, but any exercise is good.
Can you swim? This is fantastic exercise for RA as it isn't weight bearing but does use lots and lots of muscle groups. My own experience has been that when things were really bad I could swim far better than I could walk. As I improved my fitness, I felt like a real fake, when I limped to the poolside struggled to get off the edge and into the water, and then started overtaking other swimmers! Now I can get out on the edge of the pool without using the steps - and although it is a struggle and a bit ungainly (I feel like a beached whale) I can get up off the floor too!
Here is the abstract of an article I read about exercise:
Rheumatology Advance Access originally published online on February 22, 2005
Rheumatology 2005 44(4):502-508; doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keh528
Rheumatology Vol. 44 No. 4 © British Society for Rheumatology 2005; all rights reserved
Department of Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and 1 Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
Correspondence to: A. Bilberg, Department of Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. E-mail: Annelie.Bilberg@vgregion.se < =text/>
Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderately intensive pool exercise therapy on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods. Forty-six patients with chronic RA were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group (n = 20) exercised in a temperate pool twice a week for 12 weeks. The control group (n = 23) continued with their previous activities. Aerobic capacity, measured by means of a submaximum bicycle test, and the physical component of the SF-36 were chosen as the primary outcome measures. Two tests of muscle endurance were chosen as the secondary outcome measure. Additional functional tests and instruments were included.
Results. No significant differences between the groups were found for the primary outcome measures. Significant improvements in the following aspects of muscular function (P<0.05) were found in the treatment group when their performance was compared with that of the control group: isometric shoulder endurance, grip force, dynamic endurance of lower extremities (chair test) and muscle function of lower extremities. Significant improvements were also found for vitality (SF-36) compared with the control group. The improvements in the training group were maintained for 3 months.
Conclusions. Pool exercise therapy of moderate intensity significantly improved muscle endurance in the upper and lower extremities in patients with RA, while no impact on aerobic capacity was found. However, the study population was small and there is a need for further studies with larger populations.
KEY WORDS: Pool exercise training, Rheumatoid arthritis, Physical therapy, Aerobic capacity, Muscle endurance, SF-36, Function
Exercise is good. I enjoyed water exercises, but couldn't do the bicycle. Walking hurt. I tried many exercises, but about the only one I could do was water. I did go on a trampoline a couple of times, and loved it. I could do it, it didn't seem to hurt, but when I got off, I couldn't walk.
Whatever you decide to try, be careful, and don't overdue. I found with myself, that I felt so good while doing the exercises that I tended to overdue it.
Cris
I bought a gazelle free style... the Tony Little machine.. its like walking but no pounding on the joints... i was lucky, i found a used one in GOOD condition at a garage sale for , and although it is in my basement and i rarley go down there, it is a good things to use... no impact!!!!!
Hope that give you an option!
We just bought my son a huge trampoline for his birthday. It is a fun way to exercise...I love it! We also have a pool, but the water is too cold for me most of the time still. I would talk to your doctor and see what he recommends as far as types of exercise. Non-weight bearing is best....not sure how trampoline fits into that, but swimming is supposed to be the best. For me, I have become too sedentary, so any movement is in improvement over what I've been used to :) Love and bouncy hugs, juliah
Trampoline sounds fun, but maybe painful........
Bouncy hugs sound nice
My in-laws have a pool. I was trying not to have to get in there. I kinda have a germ-phobia...lol. I know it is clean but, I also know the kids pee in it. and if I so happen to get tired and get a mouthful of "pee" I would feel really really sick to my stomach....lol...just because of the thought of pee.
I might try to swimming. I did not really think the trampoline would be too good of an idea. Not only for me, but for me trying to keep my daughter off of it.
So, I guess swimming it is.
Jooniper - I swim in a public pool mostly - and totally understand your horror of pee! And it isn't just pee we have to worry about in aany pool that's chlorinated. Things we put on our bodies - hairsprays shampoos perfumes deodorants - react with the chlorine and thiscreates a gas that floats just over the surface of the water. I get a very allergic reaction to it - and have to drive home sneezing like like a madwoman.
If the pool belongs to relatives - maybe you could try talking to the kids gently about having a pee before they get in?
And GOOD LUCK with it. just do a very little bit at first and gradually build up! You'll feel better for it - I promise.
Love,
Maggie
jooniper,
I had a trampoline many moons ago when my ra wasn't so bad and it was FUN! It kept me so fit. I want another one but like you, I've been a little afraid to put the money out in case I can't use it.
I really think it's worth trying somehow if you can find a way.
It's so good for your legs and butt!
Pam - Yeah, But it is the neighbor's kids that I think pee in the pool. No one is home when they are in the pool so you know they have to pee somewhere and that somewhere is not at there house....lol.
I think my own daughter pees in the pool too...lol. I shutter at a mouthful of pee...
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