What are people doing?

I would like to engage in some sort of fitness/exercise but wanted to find out what other people are doing/have done rather than what people are not doing. Are there any centres that have specialist advisers for those who have limitations? Any guidance would be gratefully received.

[aligator]

Hi Pidge972, I go to a fitness class in a hydro pool which I find really good. There are times I can do some of the exercises sometimes not . I love the warmth on my joints. I also was encouraged to cycle& walk.

Good luck with what you do.

Love Aligator

[Hidden]

Hi. I do a Yoga class and a Tai Chi class. I have warned each of the teachers that there maybe somethings I can't manage, so not to worry if I stop occasionally. They have been fine about it and I have got back some flexibility and some strength in my legs and feet.

Both classes also help with stress levels and anxiety as you learn to breathe slowly and evenly.

I used to swim but neck problems mean I daren't do much now.

And most days I go for a short walk on the common with my dogs.

Hope you find something that suits you.

[thekeys46]

Hi Pidge, I use a recumbent exercise bike. I wouldnt be able to use a normal bike but find this OK. I have the TV on and sit and cycle for about 30 mins at a time.

[magglen]

I rook up Nordic Walking a few years ago and I love it. The poles take the weight oft the joints and exercise the upper body as well as the lower. You could find your nearest group from the internet. See if they have a group that suits your physical level. I was lucky here in Llanelli as we have a group for seniors. Now I know the tecnique I walk on my own every day with my poles. They also provide support as, with inflexible jonts, I would find it hard to right myself if I stumbled. Also find exercise in a pool helpful.

[bpeal1]

I love doing pilates. It is very good at stetching out your muscles (I find that when I am in pain i tense up which makes everything hurt more!) and helps strengthens muscles which in turn supports joints better.

It is a very gentle form of exercise and you can work at your own level. A lot of the exercises can be done lying or sitting. If you go for this option make sure you find yourself a well qualified instructor. Mine is a trained physio as well as pilates instructor. She understands RA and is able to adapt things for me if I can't do them.

I also go swimming once a week. I have found a nice warm pool near my home which I use. How much I do, and at what speed depends on how I am feeling that day.

[cathie]

I do tai chi and ought to go swimming and walk more.

[oldtimer]

Ask in your doctor's surgery if they do the exercise referral scheme. I know it's available in Wales, but not sure about elsewhere.

Your Dr or practice nurse can refer you, you have an assessment and then a graduated exercise programme of various activities, for a small fee - I think it's about a pound.

You have a monitoring programme. Some of the people who do aqua-aerobics with me are on the exercise referral scheme and some are quite disabled.

There's a hoist at the pool to help and a shallow set of steps with two handrails.

I went in the hydrotherapy pool with the physio to start with, especially as I had lost confidence because of my weak muscles, and now do aqua-aerobics in the local leisure centre. I can't manage much in the way of land-based exercise, but I walk as much as I can and do a little light dancing holding hands in a circle.

[Hidden]

Hi. I'm just starting the same process. I've contacted a few local leisure centres and most of them now have specialist advisers. One has advised me to go and view the classes that are most suitable ie. chair based exercise and low impact exercise as well as the aqua classes. He also gave me a 7 day pass so that I could try out the facilities to see what suits me first.

My rheumatology physio has said that if I am uncertain at all I can ask to go to their trainer for a set of exercises to do in and out of the water but, to be honest the chap and the leisure centre seemed really switched on to my needs so I'm sure I will be fine.

He advised my to stay away from the gym for the time being but just build up gently and slowly.

I'm off to do a recky tomorrow and really looking forward to getting started. Good luck.

Judy

[SarahKate-NRAS]

Hi Pidge972

As many others have mentioned swimming, cycling, walking and other low impact forms of exercise, like yoga and pilates are all recommended for those with RA. We have an article on exercise, written by a physiotherapist, that you may find useful: nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

Arthritis Research UK also produce a good booklet on arthritis and exercise called, 'Keep Moving' which can be downloaded or ordered from their website: arthritisresearchuk.org/art...

It is best to start off slowly and gradually increase the amount of exercise that you do. I hope you manage to find an activity that you enjoy!

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS Helpline