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By Lestine Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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I need help in finding different types of excercise that I can do at home and with my children to teach them about Rheumatoid Arthritis. I've had RA for 1 1/2 years and it is hard for me to adjust, because I'm not able to do things like sit on the floor, sit in certain types of chairs, and I have to becareful where I walk because, walking on certain things hurts my feet. I'm uncomfortable when I go to bed so I'm up half the night tossing and turning because I get really stiff. I have a one year old son and some times it's hard for me to pick him up, so right now I'm going through .If their's anyone who feel like me let me know your remedy for everyday living that works with RA...

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Sally

3/17/10 12:57am

Have you tried tai chi? It is a very slow series of movements- gentle on the joints with no impact. I find it to be very relaxing, especially if my joints are stiff. You can get videos from the library or bookstore. Your kids can follow along with you if they wish.

Water aerobics is also excellent for arthritis, especially if the water is warm.

Good luck!

Lestine

3/17/10 9:20am

Thank you for that comment. My children love to swim in the warm months, also tai chai I will look into that at the library and try it ou with my children and if they like it I will buy one myself. I so do appreciate this suggestion.

merlinscharm

3/17/10 4:16pm

I found chair exercise tape that can be done with or without weights is great. Easy on the body and yet effective.

Nan

3/17/10 7:02am

I have always been very fit, RA started about 4 years ago but has really been rough in the last year. I walked about 20 miles per week and was at the gym 5 days a week before last year. I have too had a hard time with exercising, my ankles and shoulders are the worst. We bought a wii for christmas and also got the wii fit cd. It has alot of exercises, balance games, yoga and strength exercises that are very mild. I cannot do most of them but the ones I can do I love. I use the wii fit every chance I get. I also walk at the park and on my treadmill whenever I can. But please be careful with any activity it is very easy to overdo it, believe me. It is depressing when a 1lb weight can kick your butt or a 20 minute slow walk can put you down a couple of days. I walk on my treadmill at 2.4 mph where I used to at 3.7. I also take prednisone and quit smoking last year so I am struggling to lose the 10lbs I gained. Good luck and keep trying to find the program that fits you, it is important to stay active but more important to know your limits and kids love any exercise program they will join in and keep it fun.

Lestine

3/17/10 9:23am

I just got the wii fit for my childern and they love it . I was looking at some of the excercise and thought can i do them. Since you stated that you tried them out it will not hurt for me. I know my body when i'm over doing it. Thanks for the encouragment, much apperciated.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

3/23/10 12:27pm

welcome to the site!

Yoga is also good, but talk to your instructor about your RA and the need to adapt certain poses. Check out our expert Sara Nash's post on restorative yoga .

You may also want to check out my post on parenting with RA - it has links to cases that have resources and equipment that can help you take care of your kids, including things that can help you pick up a small child, suggestions for e.g. equipment such as scripts and changing table used by parents in wheelchairs - if you can sit when you change your baby's diaper, it may be easier for your body than to stand.

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