Fitness

[TheBoys]

I am going to try to do some exercise...certainly walking. I live in Hertfordshire and can travel into London.

Does anyone know of any good gyms? Ideally, I want to do weights as much as I can to help bolster my health.

[Mmrr]

Exercise is great but take care with free weights, their use is not recommended in people with RA unless you are well controlled and are confident in using them.

If you are new to RA it might be worth getting some advice from a rheumatology physio as to what the best exercise may be for you.

[Gnarli in reply to Mmrr]

Even rheumatology physios can get it wrong too. I was keen to retain fitness and muscle tone so saw physio at hospital. He suggested I get a fitness dvd and try press-ups! Gah!

[Mmrr in reply to Gnarli]

That made me laugh !

I've been given some c..p advice too.

[Gnarli in reply to Mmrr]

If you didn't laugh.....

[Simba1992]

I have started to go to the gym 3xweek. I was instructed that always have the aerobic excersise ( the warm up with stationary bike 15 min) afte this resistence training for different muscle groups. 3x 15 on each, light weights, increase slowly. streching in the end. This really makes a difference but you hve to pe persistant on not starting skipping weekly program. Not easy😰

[Mmrr in reply to Simba1992]

It was suggested to me to use the stationary bikes for 10 minutes x 2 , increasing to x3 per week. Nothing else other than some stretching exercises ( increasing the reps) for 4 weeks. I found it just too much and ended up with a very painful and hot sore foot, which all but immobilised me. I had to increase my daily prednisilone (under medical supervision) to calm things down again.

Take things very easy to begin with if you haven't done any exercise for a while / not well controlled. Best to take some professional advice. Or read up on exercise and RA.

[Simba1992 in reply to Mmrr]

You are so right, you need the professinai advice from someone who knows you and your situation. That's what I did get. I started out infact in the pool. Did excersise 45min every morning for three week when visiting a integrated medical spa. Felt like a new person after this. Now following up with the above program. I think perhaps the importance is to listen to your body here too, adjust the excersise after how you feel better less than too much.

[AgedCrone]

Ask your Rheumy nurse. There are schemes where gyms have specialist trainers who know the exercises for those with RA.

The Nuffield Hospitals also have gyms, but I suspect they would be pricey.

[TheBoys]

Many thanks.

[HappykindaGal]

I have a personal trainer that works with people that have RA. Stationary bike for 15 minutes and then a series of exercises with resistance bands - much like pilates. I can't do anything on the floor as would need a paramedic to get me back up again, so it's mostly centred around aerobic and shoulder/core strength. I try to do something every other day.

[TheBoys in reply to HappykindaGal]

Thanks...thats useful. Some days I feel energetic so thats what I d aim to do in trrms of routine with some dumbbells.

[dlee999]

I usually watch different Youtube videos related to fitness and try to repeat exercises

[TheBoys]

Thanks... thats a good idea. I ll have a look and have a go.

[Rubyroo1]

I try to go swimming a couple of times per week and manage to swim for about 30 mins. I also walk slowly/hobble most lunchtimes for about 30-45 mins. Both the physio and my Osteopath have said that swimming would be good and either a cross trainer/stationary bike with no resistance on it would be good for about 5 mins if I can manage it, then build the time up as everything improves (fingers crossed for that ). If you wanted to do weights it might be better to do these in the swimming pool ?