Exercise lubricates your joints and keeps them mobile which is great for arthritis sufferers. Many of us Baby Boomers develop Arthritis as we get older. But in most cases it doesn’t have to be a ticket to inactivity. According to the National Arthritis foundation.

“If you have arthritis or a related condition, exercise is especially important."

National Arthritis Foundation

It also strengthens the muscles and the cartilage around your joints which helps to protect and keep them usable. Many people with arthritis don’t exercise because of pain. This is a natural reaction, but one that’s important to overcome because lack of exercise can stiffen joints, worsen pain, and eventually immobilize you. Starting slowly, and carefully exercising joints and related muscles can improve your ability to perform daily tasks with improved range of motion and less pain.

People with arthritis can do all three major components of fitness training:
Cardio, Strength and Flexibility. The main modifications are;

• Proceed slowly
• Although some exercises will not be entirely pain-free, never continue to exercise in great pain.
• Longer warm-up and cool-down (5-10 minutes)
• For some applying ice or heat before you start can help relieve pain and soreness. Check with your doctor.

“My Dad had severe rheumatoid arthritis. I designed a Moving Free^® exercise program for him and worked with him for several months. It brought him so much relief that he brought the program to the attention of the National Arthritis Foundation. I was proud to become one of their exercise consultants.”
Mirabai Holland MFA, Certified Exercise Physiologist, Certified Health Coach

About Arthritis

About one in three adults has some form of arthritis. According to the National Arthritis Foundation “Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected are under age 65.”

There are several forms of Arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis: Most common form of arthritis causing joint cartilage to deteriorate over time until bone rubs upon bone.
• Rheumatoid: An autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of joint linings.
• Lupus: Can destroy the body’s connective tissue.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: a spinal arthritis which causes vertebrate to grow together due to inflammation.
• Scleroderma: A condition which thickens and hardens the skin.
• Fibromyalgia: Causes aching muscles and connective tissue.
• Juvenile arthritis: Various forms of arthritis that occur in children.