what type of exercise?

[aston]

Hi All just wondering what type of exercise people do, i go swimming twice a week and if the joints allow, use my exercise bike, but i know i should be doing more, and was wondering what you do to keep fit?

[Hidden]

Hi Aston,

I was asking my GP the very same question on Tuesday, he reccomended gentle walking- for 20mins then increase when you feel ready to

Streching-

Have you tried Yogalates? Its brilliant , but I love any excersise

Its very gentle with a lovely relaxation segment at the end.

If you look on play.com you can take a peek at the DVDs before you commit to buy- just click the play, and see if its for you.-

Good luck x

[SarahKate-NRAS]

Hi Aston

You might find it useful to have a read of our article on exercise, written by a lead physiotherapist: nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

As mentioned in the article everyone is different so it's important to find something that suits you well, and often referral to a physiotherapist can be useful as they can tailor an exercise regime specifically to you.

It sounds as if you are doing all the right things, swimming in particular is often recommended for those with RA as the water helps to support the joints and gives all your muscles a good workout. Other low impact activities are also good, like walking and cycling.

Arthritis Research UK have quite a lot of good information about exercise on their website, and you can also download their 'Keep Moving' booklet if you follow this link: arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

Hopefully with spring coming up we'll have some nicer weather to be out walking and exercising in!

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS Helpline

[oldtimer]

I think exercise is REALLY important. It has kept me mobile for many years and as soon as they worst of the inflammation has settled after a flare, I'm exercising away to get back the function.

I too go swimming - lovely to exercise while supported by the water - and go to Aquafit classes.

I walk regularly, by myself short distances, an hour brisk walking with Walking for Health once a week, and sometimes, if it's possible, a bit further with my husband at weekends.

I have yoga programmes which have been designed for me by a yoga teacher who specialises in doing yoga with people who have problems with ordinary classes. I go to her class when I'm able to, but have daily programmes - one for moderately bad joint days and one for better joint days. I do these for about half an hour every day. Her sort of yoga is called Vini yoga and has several repetitions before holding the posture. I find is this the best type of yoga having done various sorts of yoga since my thirties.

And I think of housework as exercise and that's done little but often.

I used to do more, but that's just not possible at the moment.

[Hidden]

I agree completely with Oldtimer and I do about 30 mins work out on the Nintendo Wii Fit daily plus an hour's walk with the dog a day - takes up loads of time but so worth it to keep the RA at bay. Good luck - Tilda

[aston]

Thanks for that everyone x