ARTHRITIS AND EXERCISE

Exercise is an important component of health care management for people with arthritis. Extended abstinence from physical activity exacerbates the systemic and muscular-skeletal consequences of the disease. Proper exercise promotes optimum joint flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and cardiovascular conditioning. Enhanced self-image and self-esteem may also result. To obtain these benefits, it is necessary to perform three different types of exercises:

Range of Motion Exercises: These exercises help maintain normal joint movement, relieve stiffness or restore flexibility and movement. Persons with arthritis should try to move each joint through its complete range of motion on a daily basis to prevent loss of motion and deformity and to minimize stiffness.

Strengthening Exercises:  Weak muscles add to joint problems. Strong muscles stabilize joints and help cushion joint movement. Isometric or "muscle-setting" exercises are a safe and effective way of increasing muscle strength. They can be particularly helpful for people with painful joints because the muscle can be strengthened with very little actual joint movement.

Endurance Exercises: Other types of activity such as bicycling, walking and swimming are good for overall fitness and stamina. Persons with systemic forms of arthritis should get guidance on the appropriateness of these types of exercise from their physician or therapist.

Personal Training Associates works with its clients to minimize the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic illnesses. We work one-on-one in the client's home or in one of our semi-private studios to develop individualized exercise programs and to assist in their execution. We begin by asking a series of questions about your health and fitness background, establish with you appropriate set of goals, and then design the best exercise program for getting you where you need to go. We emphasize proper form, safety and intensity. The goal is to integrate safe, efficient, exercise into your daily routine, so that you can get the benefits of being active for the rest of your life.

Our first consultation is free of charge or any obligation. Call 703-904-0053 if you have any questions, or to schedule your first session.