I am considering signing up for a deep water "aerobics" class at the local YMCA. The class starts next Monday and is every Mon and Wed from 7:30-8:30pm. I work until 6, so the timing is good. I have to pay the yearly fee to join which I believe is and the class is .00. This is much cheaper than my 20% copay for physical therapy!
They have you put on a belt that keeps you afloat and than you do exercises in the water and there is no pressure on your joints. The pool is heated but its not hot like a physical therapy pool.
I am flaring right now and VERY tired. Its difficult just getting through my work day. However, I have been very sedentary for a couple of years due to my health. I think if I can exercise a little, it might help my energy levels and it may even make my joints feel better. I just hate to spend the money, than find I am too tired to go. I am also overweight and think I would feel better if I lost oh, a good 40 pounds!
If it were me, I would pay the $$ simply to swim for a while. very slow gentle swimming, and walking in the water. enjoy the weighlessness of it. If you take the classes you may be tempted to push yourself.. I did and ended up with terrible bursitis in my hips.
Just because you are in the water doesnt mean there is no resistance when doing the exercises. The water ppushes against your joints far more than the air.. also your balance is precarious in the water.
I used to go to water aerobics but stopped as I pushed myself too much. I found that the pace was too quick . I now swim for two hours a week with a friend in a heated pool. we dont swim lengths or anything like that, i do gentle movements and float around, its good fun and the socialising is great as i have met a few people with disabilities who are doing it for the same reason.I think it sounds like a great idea. I swim when I can - I love being in the water as I can actually move! - but find getting there and back bothersome.
Just make sure you don't push yourself too hard or you might be too tired to get home!
going from doing nothing to something like an hour deep water aerobics is a recipe to hurt yourself. If you didn't have RA your body would be screaming in protest..with RA espcially since you have been flaring is just opening the door. I agree with Kathy..start slowly..use the pool. do a 30 minute shallow water aerobic class. Build yourself up to the more challenging level. You will get far more benefit from the exercise that way.
Good Luck
There is actually a shallow water class at the same time as the deep water class.....I thought the deep water would be better because my ankles are so bad, I thought it would take the pressure of my bloated feet? Do you think I would be better off in the shallow water class or is that pushing too much as well?I love to swim. Odds are gentle exercise in the pool will boost your mood, and give you back some energy.
I don't like classes because I can't and never have been able to keep up with the normals. I end up pushing too hard and getting hurt. If you can control yourself and stop when you should and enjoy the 'encouragement' of your class mates, I say go for the deep water.
I think perhaps buckeye may not be a good floater like we zoftig ladies - stay off those ouchy feetDeep water classes are generally considered more advanced. The shallow
water takes the weight off the joints without the extra work.
Swim classes are a great idea. I did water therapy with my PT for a while.
She stressed the need to have a pool at the correct temp. 90 degrees and
up.
UGH...now you have me thinking about swimsuits and the fun that comes
with trying one on...
Becky
Water therapy is wonderful. I think the aerobics class would be too much. When you start with water therapy, they have you do just walking across the pool and stretching at first. Then they advance you to treading water in the deep end. Water tempature makes a HUGE difference in how well you can do.
And, you are going to do better if they get your pain under control first. When you hurt really bad, it is hard to exercise. You might see if the Arthritis Foundation has any classes for arthritis which will be more adaptative to your needs. They have a listing at www.arthritis.org.
Also, check to see if your local Senior Citizen Center has a pool available. In some cases, this is actually free. Check ones close to home or close to work so it's easy to go. That's the real key to staying with it.
The other option is that if you find a location, like the YMCA or a fitness center with a pool, you may be able to talk your doctor and your insurance into paying for a year's memebership because it is so much cheaper than continuing physical therapy. My pain specialist says that this is a possibility but that you have to do all the research.
As far as doing you own program if you can get access just to using a pool, the Arthritis Foundation also has videos on water exercises or you may be able to find them on the Internet.
Water therapy has been a life saver for me. I hope you have good luck with it.
I was told for now, swimming isn't a good idea, slow walking in the water was suggested. My wrists, hands and elbows hurt real bad and the movement even in the water felt like large knives stabbing my joints.
At least with walking in the water, it's exercise. Frustrating....
I started aqua aerobics about 2 years ago, and personally, it made me flare. I persevered for quite a while but then had to give it up. I haven't even been back to the pool since. Prior to that I was swimming 2 - 3 times a week, and although tired and a bit achey straight after, felt much better for it. The aerobics have put me off getting back in the pool, though I know it shouldn't. I must start going again!
I think the swimming would do your HEAD good!!!! From my experience, physical pain gets in your thoughts and plays with your mind. I find that doing anything with a group keeps my mind off of my limitations. Just go get wet and float!! ha ha....
GREAT IDEA !!!! You just have to listen to your body. One day I can be very active, the next I just do slight motions, it still helps my joints and definitely helps my head. Don't try to keep up. It doesn't matter, just enjoy the water. Let us know how it goes