Fitness Trainers Can Help Those with Arthritis Remain Strong
Many people with arthritis imagine that exercise would be uncomfortable or even painful, but maintaining an active lifestyle has a variety of positive effects on arthritis including reduced stiffness and pain, improved flexibility and strength, and lower levels of fatigue.
That said, arthritis can impact your physical capabilities, and staying healthy doesn’t have to mean running sprints or performing other intense exercises. There are countless options available for those who want to stay healthy and strong without putting too much strain on their muscles and joints.
Read on to learn how, with the help of Physical Therapists and Fitness Trainers, people with Arthritis can use exercise to help their condition. Check out WellSpring’s Fitness Trainer Certificate program if you’re inspired to learn more.
Why Is Exercise Important?
Consulting with an expert may seem like an unnecessary hassle when it comes to designing a workout routine for your arthritis, but direct access to physical therapy makes meeting an expert easier. With a safe and healthy exercise routine, especially one designed by an experienced physical therapist, your body will slowly grow stronger and your joints more resilient. Over time, you may notice higher energy levels, better balance, more restful sleep, and an overall improvement in your quality of life.
A sedentary lifestyle is especially unhealthy for those with arthritis, so it’s important to find time for exercise throughout the day even if your job requires you to sit for long periods of time. If you don’t exercise, your muscles will slowly weaken over time, leading to more stress on your joints and more severe arthritic symptoms.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re serious about using exercise to manage your arthritis, it’s best to discuss this with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a workout routine on your own. Doing overly strenuous exercises or those that put unnecessary stress on your joints may have a negative impact on your health.
A medical professional will help you design a workout routine based on your symptoms and health goals, giving you the greatest possible results with the least possible side effects. Some of the most common exercises for those with arthritis include aerobics, strengthening, and range of motion.
Aerobics
Aerobic exercises are intended to help with endurance and your overall health, including improvements in weight and energy. Your physical therapist may suggest regular aerobic exercises like biking and walking at least a few times a week for the greatest possible benefits.
Strengthening
In contrast to aerobics, strengthening exercises are specifically designed to increase your muscular strength and thereby reduce the stress felt by your joints. A weight-training routine generally involves two to three days of exercise per week and significant rest between multiple exercises of the same muscle group.
Range of Motion
Range of motion exercises helps increase your mobility and allows you to live a more comfortable life with arthritis. Simple regular movements can often be performed while resting or doing other tasks, making them easy to integrate into your daily routine without affecting your schedule.
Arthritis is a difficult condition to manage, but using exercise along with other treatment methods can help reduce your symptoms and make your life more comfortable. You’ll feel healthier over time, and getting regular exercise will also have a variety of other positive effects on your health.