Did you know that over 58 million US adults live with Arthritis? That’s about 24% of adults in the United States. People are (fortunately) living longer too, which means we will likely see that number increase. Thankfully, the CDC recommends something to help ease symptoms that is beneficial for not only arthritis, but the rest of your body too- exercise! In fact, adults with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by about 40% by being physically active. Strength training is especially beneficial. When done properly, strength training helps to support and protect joints, as well as ease pain, stiffness, and possibly swelling!

We know that living with arthritis can be hard, and it’s hard to determine what movements are safe and effective for you to do. We are here to help! Here are some tips for working out with arthritis:

• Seek the help of a personal trainer (or physical therapist, and talk to your physician) to help design a workout routine that works for YOU. 
• Schedule workouts for times of the day when you notice the least amount of pain and stiffness. 
• Warm up first! A nice walk while slowly moving and bending your arms can help warm up your entire body.
• Always exercise within a comfortable range of motion. If an exercise or motion causes significant amounts of pain, stop! 
• Balance rest and exercise carefully. 

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should generally avoid doing strength training with actively inflamed joints, at least until the inflammation eases. However, for most people living with arthritis, a solid fitness plan is helpful. Combining cardio and strength training is a great way to go- here at Fit we fully believe that no matter what your range of motion, we can help you make a functional, fun, and effective exercise plan that will be beneficial for ALL aspects of your life!