Cross-fit training and RA

[MarciaCB]

I have had to stop Enbrel after 10 years because of expense. I'm trying cross-fit training as a replacement. Any experiences? Bulling my way through RA as it were.

[Trulyfedup]

Can you explain what that entails? Maryx

[tilstongal]

Sorry to bar that. Are you in the UK?

[tilstongal]

For bar read hear! Bah and humbug to predictive text!

[clintpaddison]

Hi Marcia,

My absolute best recommendation is Bikram Yoga. It is nothing short of amazing when it comes to RA.

It's not easy, but when I first started I could not walk, now I can run.

Warmest regards,

Clint

[Hidden]

Hi Marcia,

I'm guessing that you live outside the UK and have to pay for your medication.

Cross Training does seem a little extreme to me but it very much depends on how active your disease is and whether there is any secondary damage to your joints.

I have heard lots of positive comments about Tai Chi and pilates which are more gentle strength building exercises and swimming, of course.

I do hope that the 10 years on Enbrel has put you in remission and that the mtx will continue to keep it at bay.

Good luck to you.

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

Hi Marcia

I too guess that you are outside the UK but if you are not and your medication has been stopped on the grounds of funding then please get in touch with NRAS as this is unlawful in the UK. If you meet the criteria for a biologic drug it can not be denied on the grounds of funding via NHS.

NRAS will in the new year be launching a new look website which will include a whole area on exercise as an important part of disease management and treatment.

[cathie in reply to Clare-NRAS]

I hope you will provide some info on taiji, there's so much going for it and its the basis for so much else

[Hidden in reply to Clare-NRAS]

Clare, thank you for that information...I did not know that about funding and worry myself sometimes about that.

[Cattledog]

Nice photo!.......unfortunately I can't get my neck round 90 degrees to see it! If you're able then crack on and do it. Any exercise is better than nothing. I always recommend weight training using weight resistance machines. It's important to keep as strong as you can. I've suffered from the lurgy for 25 years plus but have always pushed myself to do as much resistance and cardio stuff as possible. It also makes you feel much better mentally. I would also recommend, if possible, doing sledgehammer exercises! ( Google it! ).

Only you can decide if you're capable of doing a particular regime......if you're able then it will definitely be worth the effort. Have a gander at this...arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Hidden]

Hi Marcia,

I recently have taken up Nordic walking under supervision and recommendation of a physiotherapist. I also read an article recently, on the Arthritis website, extolling the benefits.

The poles allow me support and stability, whilst helping propel me forward, and also help slow down on hills. Nordic walking poles also allow for when my hands cannot grip as they have wrist straps, so working very differently from walking poles. They also, if you can afford them, manufacture them in 100% carbon which makes them so very light

I guess the motion is very similar to cross trainer but I prefer being outside and this gives me the chance to join a small group and do it together. If I can, then next year I am going to do a sponsored walk, for NRAS obviously , which would be a huge achievement for me , not to mention a challenge, given that this time last year could hardly dress myself, let alone walk.

Let us know how you get on

[magglen in reply to Hidden]

I also took up Nordic Walking and use the poles everywhere. They give me stability, take the weight of the joints as well as being a good exercise. On the occasion I walk without them [e.g going round the shops] my joints really suffer. I see so many seniors walking with one stick which is so bad for the spine. I don't feel like an old lady with my poles [I'm 78yrs].... as I would if I used walking stick. xx

[Hidden in reply to magglen]

Hi Magglen and Poppylady1

Have you found that you can walk further using the walking poles?

I get terrible back pain when walking which has reduced my mobility considerably. I suspect that my walking stick is making my spinal arthritis even worse but then using two sticks is only marginally better.

I'm guessing that the walking poles keep you more upright?

[magglen in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I can walk much further with my two sticks. Using one, you are twisting the body on one side only whereas with two the back is being twisted equally.... and they take the weight of the joints too. However, if you have such bad back pain this needs to be examined as to the cause and then maybe a physiotherapist could help. I wouldn't recommend anything which caused you such pain. I do hope you can get the right help you need. Keep on pestering for proper investigations xxx

[MarciaCB]

Hi Mary. Cross-fit training is a fitness program in a gym. Most in the class are not only half my age but very fit. It's a mixed training program with weights, sit-ups, push-ups, rowing, kettle balls, and other apparatus and movement. Everything I'm doing is being modified by the instructor for me to accommodate my lack of strength, artificial knee, etc. But the environment is so robust and energetic that I find myself able to push beyond my normal vision of my capacity. Not sure what the end result will be but it feels so good to change my mindset of what I can do.