SOS continues to recognize May as Arthritis Awareness Month and offers suggestions for patients with arthritis to manage their pain and live healthy lives. If you have arthritis, exercise can help keep your joints mobile and your muscles strong.
Swimming and other water-based exercise are especially good because the buoyancy of the water takes the weight off the joints, reducing stress and minimizing pain. Water provides 12 times the resistance of air, so as you walk and exercise in water, you are also strengthening and building muscle.
If you haven’t been swimming in awhile, take lessons or join a class to become acclimated to water and learn water safety. Most organized programs can provide a flotation belt or other safety devices to make you feel more comfortable in the water. Water exercise isn’t limited to just swimming laps. Many facilities offer water walking, water yoga, even aqua zumba. These group classes can offer support and a safe avenue for people with arthritis to get the benefits of exercise.
The local Y offers many options for aqua exercise, which would be appropriate for people with arthritis. Contact them through their website: YMCA of Greater Syracuse
View a list of their Aquatic Fitness Classes: Aquatic Fitness Classes
So go ahead and jump in for a swim, or a water walk, or aqua zumba…just be certain to consult with your doctor first before embarking on any new exercise program.
Keep checking sosbones.com for more advice on living with arthritis.