An exercise program for your arthritis – whether it is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid – might be the last thing you want to think about when your joints hurt. But it has been shown through research that regular exercise can reduce pain and boost energy levels.

Regular exercise – including light weightlifting, walking, swimming and even climbing steps – can help to cut down on pain and stiffness in the joints and improve joint mobility. These activities also improve muscle strength, which gives more support to aching joints, and not to mention, improves your psychological health too. Working out regularly can cut your risk of other serious health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Of course, before you start working out, you should talk to your doctor or physical therapist to find the best exercise program. Ideally, you should engage in aerobic exercise to boost your heart and lung strength, and strengthening exercises to increase muscle strength. Also, stretching exercises are important to keep all muscles flexible and joints moving easily.

One really useful type of exercise that can help people with arthritis is water aerobics. Many local chapters of the Arthritis Foundation have aquatic exercise programs. Find one near you.

If you have not been working out in some time, start slowly and do as much as you can handle without overdoing it. If you try to do too much, then your arthritis pain may increase. As you build strength and endurance, you will be able to work out longer and more intensely.

Also, take note of what your body is telling you. If one joint is especially painful, give that one a rest as best you can, but continue to work out. It is normal to be a bit sore after a workout, but if you are in a lot of joint pain afterwards, you will probably need to scale it back.

Arthritis Supplies for Post-Workout

The Wright Stuff has many helpful arthritis products that are great for after a workout:

MediBeads Hand Wrap provides comfortable heat therapy to sore hands.

MediBeads Joint Wrap proves larger joints, such as knees, with soothing heat therapy.

With these types of helpful arthritis products, you will find that your workouts are less painful and easier than before.