15th Dec 2020

I have arthritis, should I exercise?

Exercise is one of the best ways to improve symptoms of Arthritis

Why is exercise important?

Physical activity is a great way to increase your physical and mental health and can also reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Being active can:

  • Reduce chance of join and back pain by 25%
  • Reduce falls and depression by 30%
  • Improve your quality of life

How much exercise should I do and how often?

Any amount of exercise is better than nothing so it is always worth starting small and gradually increasing as you get more confident. 

Adults and older adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.

It is good to remember that you don’t have to do this all in one go and breaking it up into smaller more manageable chunks is perfectly fine. 

See tips on reaching 150 minutes

What if I am in pain when I exercise?

Many people experience some aching or low levels of pain after exercising, especially if you are not used to it.

However, if you experience instant or severe pain you should stop and seek medical advice if necessary. If you are unsure about anything it is good to seek professional medical advice. 

Where can I find specific Arthritis guidance?

Versus Arthritis is the leading charity tacking Arthritis and has a wide range of resources to help you get active and manage your condition.

Visit Versus Arthritis’s website for more information here

THINKING ABOUT GETTING ACTIVE?

Being active is about finding out what works for you. We can help you find loads of great activities to choose from, however fit (or unfit) you think you feel.

In partnership with:

Versus Arthritis

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