Before RA I was about as fit as a person can be. I walked several times a week and spent alot of time in the gym. I had a body to be proud of, nice arms and a tight little butt for a 40 something year old. But now it's like I can't get anywhere exercising. I have been walking about 5 miles a week for a month or so but any amount of arm exercise is so painful. It doesn't hurt while Im doing it but later that day OMG it hurts. I am doing minimal movements and only using 1 lb weights for a few of the moves and no weights for the rest of it. And its not the sore muscle hurt, its ra pain. Its not enough to cause sore muscle pain believe me. I am so disappointed and discouraged. I even requested one of those exercise plans for people with RA that's been on tv lately. That was a joke, If I could do those exercises I wouldn't be requesting suggestions. Those are the things I did before RA. Those are regular exercises. I do ache from the walking too especially with any incline my ankles and hips will talk to me but not bad enough to stop. I know exercise is good and my docs push me enough and I have the desire and discipline but my elbows and shoulders have a different opinion. Who should I listen to? Any suggestions? Any arm exercise suggestions?
If you're not much after you do exercises, you doing the wrong kind of exercise. It may be the way that aren't working for you - sometimes, resistance training puts too much stress on your joints. Try swimming or doing exercises in water instead - the buoyancy of the water makes exercise less stressful for your joints, but it also provides a natural resistance. Yoga or tai chi may also do the trick, but it's probably a good idea to get a couple of classes with an instructor before you go out on your own, so you can talk to them about your RA, pain levels and limitations and they can tailor the individual poses to suit you. Above all, remember to start with baby steps. Don't compare it to what you used to being able to do, but instead keep it short and gentle in the beginning, gradually increasing so you find out where your limits are.
You may also want to ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist who can help you put together an exercise program that will keep you fit and mobile, while protecting you from the kind of pain you are experiencing now.
and lastly, is your RA well managed? The degree of pain you are experiencing may be related to active RA, so you may also want to talk to you doctor about assessing how well your medication is working and whether you should be looking into other forms of treatment.
Hi, Nan,
I am certainily no expert on exercises...lol...but seriously, I think you are trying to do too much. Have you ever tried Tai Chi? Even when I am hurting a lot, Tai Chi makes me feel better. It doesn't make me hurt, either. I love the gentle stretches in Tai Chi. Just an idea.
V