Mark Perrin-Jones

Pain can make the thought of exercising quite of putting, lets face it some of us don’t need much excuse, but exercise really can help you. There are many types of exercise, making it difficult knowing where to begin for fear of making things worse. Choose the right type of exercise and it will help alleviate your symptoms.

Any thing you choose to do whether you are in pain or not you need to enjoy doing. We are all different, some prefer tai chi or chi gong and some people may prefer yoga, or simple stretching, others swimming.

When I am asked at the clinic which is best for their condition I generally tell the clients to listen to their bodies. Your body will tell you whether you have found relief from doing the exercises. This will be in the form of decreased pain and an increase in range of movement. Of-course it may take some time to see some good results, some sufferers are lucky they feel better immediately.

When you find an exercise to suit you, the better the chances of sticking with it, the longer you will continue doing it, the longer you will reap the benefits.

It has been said that hatha yoga practiced regularly, a long with the correct diet (vitally important) can cure arthritis.

But you don’t have to bend over backwards to see great results from regular exercise. It could be a simple as taking a walk each day. If you are unable to do this then maybe start by walking 1 -2 times per week. Set yourself attainable goals and start off slowly and gently.

Swimming is a great form of non weight bearing activity, or aqua aerobics this so much gentler than normal aerobics. You can befit from just working your arms and legs in the water. You can do pendulum type exercises with your arms and simple kicking exercises for your legs. Some studies have found that men who swam compared to men who did no exercise at all, had significantly better bone density levels.

There are other activities that would help you limber up like ball room dancing, gentle cycling or gardening such a great hobby.

In a nut shell –

do what you enjoy

that is safe

listen to your body

never over do it, more is never better

get moving but be gentle

So get up out of the chair and start exercising, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose (except perhaps a few pounds).