Adults with Arthritis Need to Get Active

Fitness News Flash

-- By Nicole Nichols, Fitness Instructor & Health Educator

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According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, adults with arthritis aren't exercising enough. According to researchers, who analyzed data from a 2002 National Health Interview Survey:

More than one-third of adults with arthritis do not exercise at all.
People with arthritis are less likely than people without arthritis to meet recommended levels of physical activity (30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week).
Only 20 percent of people with arthritis perform strength training exercises.
37 percent of adults with arthritis meet the minimum levels of physical activity that are recommended for people with arthritis.

Researchers think that people with arthritis may fear that exercise will worsen their pain or harm their joints.

Action Sparked: It's no secret that exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis. Regular exercise helps decrease pain, delays disability, reduces stiffness, and improves mobility, range of motion, and overall function. And exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to offer benefits. Read Exercising with Arthritis to get started today.

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About The Author

Nicole Nichols
Nicole was named "America's Top Personal Trainer to Watch" in 2011. A certified personal trainer and fitness instructor with a bachelor's degree in health promotion and education, she loves living a healthy and fit lifestyle and helping others do the same. Her DVDs "Total Body Sculpting" and "28 Day Boot Camp" (a best seller) are available online and in stores nationwide. Read Nicole's full bio and blog posts.

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Member Comments

CAROLJ35

Can't recommend water aerobics enough for older folks or for those with arthritis.
I feel great after a one hour session! - 11/28/2011 8:28:26 PM
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TELLHISSTORY

I was told by my doctor to avoid using the treadmill while my knee is swollen and inflammed. - 1/31/2011 8:24:02 AM
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SALLYANNE57

i have osteoarthritis in hips (mild). so i thought i want to keep fit. so i will be getting a trike (3wheeled). low step so i don't have to put my leg very high. it's only six inches off the ground. i'm not going to go fast, i will go at my own pace as i'm only 5ft. - 7/13/2010 5:30:42 AM
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IMNMN3

I have arthrities and since I have joined Curves I have found that after the exercising I feel like I can take on the rest of the day. The pain is never really gone, but what a difference! - 9/4/2008 4:34:44 PM
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