Since arthritis is a chronic condition that causes painful joint inflammation, it may not seem very fitness-friendly. However, exercise helps manage the disease by reducing swelling, easing pain, improving flexibility, and boosting energy. If you're experiencing pain due to this common senior care issue, consider these simple exercises that are ideal for those with arthritis.

What Exercises Will Help Your Arthritis?

1. Yoga

Yoga poses come in all levels of difficulty. As such, this exercise can be tailored to fit the needs of those with physical ailments, such as arthritis. Through regular practice, yoga helps boost joint flexibility, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain.

Yoga is also a popular senior care activity because it increases body awareness, resulting in better posture and balance. For those with arthritis, this can increase stability and reduce your risk of falling.

2. Walking

Walking is a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Apart from reducing impact on your joints and muscles, this light aerobic activity also promotes weight loss, which decreases the pressure that's placed on your skeletal system.

Additionally, walking increases your body’s synovial fluid—a substance that lubricates joints and helps them move. Finally, getting outdoors for a relaxing stroll boosts your production of endorphins, which are hormones that help fight arthritis pain.

3. Swimming

When you have arthritis, building more muscle through strength training is essential. With more muscular strength, physical pressure is taken off the joints—a benefit that can reduce inflammation and ease pain.

However, many seniors don't like lifting weights, as it can place too much stress on the bones and require extensive flexibility. Fortunately, older individuals can gradually build lean muscle tissue by swimming. Since it takes place in the water, this activity places no impact on the skeletal system, allowing you to move freely without joint pain.

While the importance of exercise is easy to recognize, it can be difficult to get moving—especially if you have chronic pain. That’s why BeeHive® Homes of Kalispell in Flathead County, MT, is committed to providing its residents with daily activities that boost the body and the brain. Through fitness programs, you can keep your body in good shape, reduce stress, and socialize with peers. To learn more about these senior care programs and amenities, visit them online. For questions about availability or to schedule a tour, call (406) 871-8667.