ARTHRITIS
Introduction
Derived from the Greek words ‘arthon’ meaning joint and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation, arthritis is a common and often debilitating disease.
One of the most prevalent forms is Rheumatoid Arthritis, an inflammatory, multi-joint and immune system-based disease which results in acute and chronic inflammation of the wrists, hands, knees, feet and cervical spine. Sufferers often experience stiffness in the morning, inflammation and loss of joint mobility.
The second most common form is Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease often associated with aging. It causes the break down of local joints in weight bearing areas such as the spine, hips, knees, base of thumbs and feet.
Sufferers experience joint pain, general stiffness and a reduced range of joint movement.
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An all encompassing exercise
An excellent way to address all your exercise needs in a safe environment is BODYVIVE™. The BODYVIVE™ heart fitness blocks target your aerobic capacity; the functional strength blocks improve your strength, posture, balance and gait while the core and restore blocks enhance your flexibility, abdominal and back strength. The classes allow you to modify the movements as you need to and the group/community/social environment, feel-good music and non-intimidating instruction provide a wonderful environment to work at your own pace and enjoy the benefits.
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Recommendation for exercise
Exercise is not always an appealing choice for arthritis sufferers because of the pain often associated with movement. It is, however an essential tool to manage the disease as it reduces joint pain and stiffness; helps to build strong muscles around joints; increases flexibility and helps stave off other health issues such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Sleeping better, having more energy and controlling your weight will also give you a more positive outlook on life generally.
The key consideration when exercising with arthritis is joint protection. You should start slowly gradually increasing your aerobic capacity up to 30 minutes at a moderate intensity three to five times a week. Similarly you should aim to improve your overall strength by starting with low repetitions of exercises building up to 10-12 repetitions, two to three times a week and to enhance your flexibility by increasing your range of motion to reduce stiffness once or twice a day.
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BODYVIVE™ Tips
To get the most from your BODYVIVE™ class remember to:
- Go lightly to begin with and always take it at your own pace.
- Increase muscular strength before cardiovascular intensity.
- Take the options that suit you and modify movement if you need to.
- Loosen your grip on the VIVE™ Tube – this also decreases the chance of elevating blood pressure)
- Press the VIVE™ ball with your palms rather than your fingers.
- Reduce joint loading if you experience pain or swelling.
- STOP if something doesn’t feel right and get advice
* Always consult your physician or physical therapist before starting a new activity regime.
* Reference: Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org