6 Exercises That are Easy on Your Joints
6 Exercises That are Easy on Your Joints in Mount Vernon & Gambier, Ohio
When you're older and living on your own, it's easy to stay home on the weekend. Maybe you grab some takeout or drive to your favorite restaurant, but sometimes it is nice to get out of the house! When you go out, many activities can be challenging when you have arthritis. Exercise can be just as tricky because even simple exercises like walking or running can cause a burning sensation in your joints. To combat this, you need to find easy activities that are gentle on your joints.
6 Exercises that are Easy on your Joints
Exercising is essential to keep your body moving, but how do you do this without hurting yourself. Below are six exercises which are easy on your joints:
1. Walking
Walking is one of the simplest and easiest exercises and is suitable for people at all fitness levels. It burns more calories than many other activities, and since it doesn't stress your joints as running does, walking is an excellent option if you have joint injuries.
2. Elliptical Training Machines
If you're looking to add variety to your workouts and want to exercise without putting your joints at risk, or if your knees or hips are bothering you while running, try this machine instead. You'll get the same muscle-building benefits without the pain, and they burn more calories than regular cardio.
3. Recumbent or Stationary Cycling
If you have joint problems and are looking for a low-impact workout, stationary cycling is a great option. Many believe riding a recumbent bike is easier on their joints than on upright bikes. The lower seat position allows you to maintain a good posture during your workout while reducing stress on your joints and back. This type of bike is also great for people recovering from knee or hip injuries as it takes the pressure off the affected area.
4. Swimming or Other Pool Exercises
Swimming regularly is a great way to keep your body fit and prevent injury. You won't tear or strain your joints when you swim, which means you can do it just about anywhere. You can do many exercises in the pool, such as laps, breaststroke, butterfly stroke and backstroke. Swimming is a total-body workout and will help tone your arms, legs, and abs. In addition to improving overall fitness levels, swimming also burns many calories, leading to weight loss.
5. Strength Training
Strength training can help you stay injury-free and maintain flexibility as you age. It also helps increase bone density and can lessen the stress on your joints. They are easy on your joints and target multiple muscle groups, which burns more calories than isolating one muscle at a time. And that's a win-win when it comes to building strength and tone.
6. Tai chi
It's challenging for your body but gentle on your joints. Often called "meditation in motion," tai chi is a slow-moving exercise that serves as a moving meditation. It combines measured breathing, gentle stretches, and fluid postures in a flow that you repeat twice daily on most days of the week. Some people practice at home; others participate in weekly classes at YMCAs, gyms, or community centers.
Conclusion
Swimming is the perfect low-impact cardio exercise and will provide cardiovascular conditioning while easing the stress on your joints. There are also quite a few other exercises that can be done with little to no impact on your joints and body, assuming joint pain doesn't persist. Try replacing some of your high-impact workouts with these gentle ones. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel.
