Arthritis in your knees can significantly impact your desire to get moving. However, a functional exercise has been proven to slow the progression of the condition by providing a few key benefits. The personal training specialists at Cheetahfit Training and Massage Center have explained a few of the most significant benefits to expect by maintaining a workout program as part of your arthritis treatment in Boulder, CO.  

Key Benefits of Functional Exercise in Knee Arthritis Treatment

1. Range of Motion

A significant issue for arthritis patients is that they lose their range of motion, or the ability to move their joints in different directions. You need a good range of motion in your knees to walk, run, or even just sit and stand. A functional exercise regimen that includes dynamic stretches will lubricate the joints. Warm up the muscles, then stretch them to improve your flexibility.

For example, an ideal knee stretch is to sit on the floor with your leg outstretched. Roll up a towel and put it under your heel. Gently push your knee towards the floor to get your leg as straight as possible. As the knee gets stronger, move to sitting in a chair and kicking your foot upward in front of you until the leg is straight.

2. Joint Support

According to WebMD, the knee is one of the most complex joint systems in the body. All the muscles in the legs are connected to the joint by tendons and provide support. When those muscles are stronger, they can do a better job of providing some much-needed stability. This, in turn, improves your balance and reduces the chances of injury. Building the quadricep, hamstring, and calf muscles will all benefit your knee.

3. Shock Absorption

Improved range of motion and strength in the joint also improve its ability to absorb shock. Every time you walk, run, or jump the knee joint is responsible for absorbing the shock of the foot’s impact on the ground. This is particularly important for arthritis patients, as the cartilage in the knee is wearing away and the bones in your joint begin to rub up against each other. Strength training will help compensate for that loss of cartilage.

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis in your knees, starting a functional exercise program as soon as possible is to your benefit. Cheetahfit Training and Massage Center has a state-of-the-art gym available, and their personal trainers can help you safely and effectively reach your health goals. Call (303) 475-4578 or visit them online to schedule an assessment.