<p>Regular, modest exercise improves joint stability and strengthens muscles, says the study. It also improves mood, sleep, energy levels and day-to-day functioning. <br />When a person avoids exercise, joints become less mobile and the surrounding muscles shrink, causing increased fatigue and pain.<br /><br />A physical therapist or personal trainer can tailor exercise programmes to health conditions and fitness levels. The key is to choose safe, appropriate activities and to take it slowly at first. <br /><br />A variety of activities can be safe and helpful for people with arthritis, including:<br />Range-of-motion and flexibility exercises: Activities such as yoga and tai chi increase joint mobility. Doing range-of-motion exercises in the evening can reduce joint stiffness the next morning.<br /><br />Low-impact aerobics: Aerobic exercise improves overall fitness and endurance as well as muscle function and joint stability. Low-impact options include water aerobics, swimming, bicycling, walking or using equipment such as treadmills and elliptical trainers.<br />Strengthening: Strength training builds the muscles around the joints to provide better support. These exercises may be done with one's own body weight for resistance, with hand-held weights, resistance bands or weight machines.<br /><br />Lifestyle: Many everyday activities -- gardening and housework -- provide the health benefits of moderate physical activities.<br />These findings were published in the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. <br /><br /><br /></p>
<p>Regular, modest exercise improves joint stability and strengthens muscles, says the study. It also improves mood, sleep, energy levels and day-to-day functioning. <br />When a person avoids exercise, joints become less mobile and the surrounding muscles shrink, causing increased fatigue and pain.<br /><br />A physical therapist or personal trainer can tailor exercise programmes to health conditions and fitness levels. The key is to choose safe, appropriate activities and to take it slowly at first. <br /><br />A variety of activities can be safe and helpful for people with arthritis, including:<br />Range-of-motion and flexibility exercises: Activities such as yoga and tai chi increase joint mobility. Doing range-of-motion exercises in the evening can reduce joint stiffness the next morning.<br /><br />Low-impact aerobics: Aerobic exercise improves overall fitness and endurance as well as muscle function and joint stability. Low-impact options include water aerobics, swimming, bicycling, walking or using equipment such as treadmills and elliptical trainers.<br />Strengthening: Strength training builds the muscles around the joints to provide better support. These exercises may be done with one's own body weight for resistance, with hand-held weights, resistance bands or weight machines.<br /><br />Lifestyle: Many everyday activities -- gardening and housework -- provide the health benefits of moderate physical activities.<br />These findings were published in the December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. <br /><br /><br /></p>