Sweating Voluntarily: Exercise and RA

Since my diagnosis, one of the more difficult challenges for me is what to do about exercise. I was never a big fan of the concept even before my diagnosis. I used to say things like, "The only reason I run is when someone is chasing me." or "I don't believe in sweating voluntarily". Cute, huh? I sometimes think my old attitudes about diet and exercise really came from a stubborn refusal to grow up. After all, when I was a kid I never had to think about all that stuff and I am still rather proud that despite being 40 I remain incredibly immature!

A few years back however, I had to come to terms with where my maverick ideas had landed me. I had become very tired, very out of breath, and very overweight. Treating my body like it was still a kid left me feeling prematurely ....old. After a great deal of effort over several years I had finally managed to get my kid body back by treating it like a grown up. Ironic, no? I did yoga, took the stairs, went for walks, and discovered that the more exercise you do the more you come to enjoy just being active. I found myself playing tennis with the kids, swimming, kicking a soccer ball around. Two summers back we also bought new bikes for the whole family in addition to a canoe and kayak. We even used them! A lot! Things were going along just great until... **screech! ** 

The Summer that Wasn't

On May 1, 2008 I got "the call" from the rheumatologist.  I still refer to last summer as the summer that wasn't. The bikes got dusty, the canoe stayed dry, and the couch was almost continuously occupied. I did do my research though. I got some good books to read about rheumatoid arthritis. What else was I going to do when stuck to the sofa? Funny thing was those books kept telling me to do the exact opposite of what I felt like doing. I was sore and tired and more than just a little bummed out. Why the heck would I want to EXERCISE??! Sheeeez!!

It turns out there are LOTS of reasons. First off, here is the cycle you set up when you don't exercise. You have pain so you start guarding that joint or limb. You don't want to exercise. Your muscles gradually become smaller and weaker. Weaker muscles are less able to properly support and protect the already painful joint. You begin to have less stamina and daily activities become more difficult. You become more easily fatigued and stress increases. You may even become depressed. This can increase sensitivity to pain which starts the whole cycle over again. Exercise is one of your best and most effective tools to escape from this downward spiral. It really can become a "use it or lose it" proposition. This is why exercise is even more important for those of us with RA.
Even if you have never been committed to exercise before, you need to be now.

Before you start anything new however, you may want to discuss your plans with your rheumatologist or physical therapist. They will be able to suggest what you need to work on and the best ways to protect your joints. Then set a realistic goal. If you set your sights too high you may quit altogether out of frustration. Try to establish a routine and stay in the habit. Even if you are having an off day, try to do something. Simple stretching and range of motion exercises are very helpful and perfect when you feel unable to do anything more taxing.