Physical activity is essential for maintaining your health when living with arthritis. Exercise increases strength and flexibility, while also mitigating joint pain. However, finding arthritis-friendly exercises when your joints are stiff can be tough. Here are five activities that can help your arthritis—without overwhelming you.

5 Tips For Arthritis-Friendly Activities

1. Swimming

Swimming engages your muscles from head to toe. It also creates minimal impact on your joints, making it a great rehabilitation activity. Additionally, most swimming pools are heated anywhere from 82 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, providing comfortable temperatures to soothe your joint pain.

2. Water Aerobics

Swimming laps isn’t for everybody. To reap the benefits of working out in water, look to pool aerobics. This can improve your cardiovascular fitness, as well as your balance and range of motion. It’s also a social activity, and working out with friends is a great way to stay motivated.

3. Yoga & Tai Chi

Both of these activities encourage flowing motions that will increase your flexibility and strength. This kind of active stretching can make you more limber than stationary stretches. Both yoga and tai chi are also great options because you can practice them anywhere you want—even in the great outdoors.

4. Indoor Cycling

Stationary cycling is a fantastic way to get a cardio workout without bringing added stress to your joints. Many people suffering from arthritis become inactive due to pain, causing them to develop balance problems. Cycling tackles this problem because you can use the stationary bike to stabilize yourself.

5. Exercise Videos

The Arthritis Foundation offers some great exercise resources. Their selection of videos are broken down into specialties targeting key areas, including your core, upper, and lower body. They even have a two-minute video for when you’re in a rush but still want to get your exercise in.

Before you undertake any new physical activity, you should always consult a medical professional. If you need advice in the Kearney, NE, area, trust Family Physical Therapy & Sports Center. These physical therapists will be happy to provide their expertise. Visit their website to find out more about their services. To request an appointment, call (308) 236-5884.