Do you lift weights?? | Arthritis Information

I can't decide if lifting weights is good for me ...or not. I keep meaning to ask the doctor. I feel better and stronger on the 2 days I work with weights but my wrists are killing me. I do NOT lift too heavy..just get all the major muscle groups.

What are your thoughts??

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What are your thoughts??

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Hi Gena. I do lift weights (3) days per week. I was told by my Rheumy that strength training was good for RA as long as you don't overdo. He said that strengthening muscles around joints helps take stress off of the joints so it's definately encouraged. My RA is in my wrists and hands and I have days where my wrists are killing me too (like today from shoveling 10" of snow that we got yesterday...lol.

All The Best,

Ryan (Ta2d)

Gena,

I lift weights 3 days a week. Machines are easier on the wrists than free weights. If your wrists are not fused then wearing wrist braces will give you more stability. I also often use weight lifting straps to help hold the weights. It kind of looks stupid to hold a 5lb dumbbell but you know a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

The weight lifting has done wonders for my overall stability.

When I've had PT or fitness training on the weights, they have always started really light at first (1-2 lbs) and then progressed slowly up from there. It is really good for muscles and bones. I like buckeye's suggestions.

Always discuss it with your doctor. When flares are hitting, you need to back off a little and then resume.

I lift weights also. Although I have all kinds of problems with my wrists as well. I have the lifting straps but my wrists seem so weak I hesitate even using those.

I do lift lower body regularly without a problem and I think it really does help my joints there.

Maybe one of these days I'll be able to do upper body again.

Definitely back off on flare days as Deanna mentioned.Hi Gena,

I lift 6 pound weights twice a week. Started at 2 pounds and worked up to 7 pounds. Had to back off of the 7 pound weights because they caused my elbow to flare. Don't have the wrist problems though when lifting, because both of my wrists are surgically fused.

I occasionally work out with bands but find I experience more problems
in my hands and finger with the bands. So it looks like I'm sticking with the weights.

I use weights-very light ones--only when my swelling and pain are at a low point. When fingers are being curled and stiff and wrists feel extra fragile, I don't go near them. Sometimes I'll do bands instead, and a doctor showed me how to do some isometric type exercises that really feel like they're working the muscles but there's no joint strain.

I worried over that weights question too. I've had to stumble my way into the right approach for myself.

I think RKGal's point is really important. You have to approach from the point of where you specifically are at. That's why it should be discussed with your doctor. If you feel very fragile or that you need to direction from someone so that you can safely progress, that's when adding a physical therapist can be really helpful. Just make sure that you want to have help in developing your own program so that you continue once you are done. I have also worked with a physical trainer and my Rheumy together to do the exercises. It was a really good experience. You might want to check this option out because some insurance companies will pay for a year's membership because it is cheaper than continuous physical therapy.

Also, if you can't handle the weight initially, consider water therapy where they gradually add the water weights and then work you up to the land exercises. It is amazing how they can take you from doing almost nothing to really working out.

Thanks for the input everyone. I am off to my trainer this morning...and both of my wrists are bad today. I am going to try and work through it with very light weights today.

I was supposed to go to the rheumie on Tuesday but I had to cancel due to the blizzard in Chicago. I will have to try and squeeze in on a cancellation next week.

Gena, the fitness trainer did have me work out with the wrist splints. Read my post on accupressure. You can't believe how much better my wrists are now.When I had elbow surgery in 98' I had 1lb wrist weights I did all my exercises with. I didn't have to grip with my hands at all - maybe you could try that but with heavier weights.i would like to lift weights but i cannot lift a gallion of milk as of now.doc won't tell me anything except not to use my hands very much.after medicare kicks in i'll be looking for rheumy again.
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