Is swimming a good workout for arthritis?
Want to get back into swimming but worried about joint pain?
There are several water-based exercises that can be beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. These types of motion don't cause as much inflammation or smooth out joints like landloping does, so they're perfect if you want an intense workout without having your knees hurt all day long!
Swimming is a great form of exercise for people with arthritis as it's much less intense than other forms like jogging or walking. Your doctor may recommend certain strokes or water-based activities depending on what kind you have but here we'll take a look at some swimming exercises that should be helpful!
Arthritis and swimming
The water provides a sense of stability and security while swimming that is crucial for people with joint problems.
With less pressure on joints and muscles to support all that weight underwater - especially in lungs where there are no restrictions or limitations- this allows them some much needed relief from pain caused by arthritis.
Swimming is an ideal exercise for people with disabilities or injuries because it doesn't cause discomfort. It also helps tone up supporting muscles without any risk of injury from other exercises, making this the perfect form of rehabilitation!
Things you need to know before you exercise in the water
Regular exercise is a recommended part of your arthritis treatment plan, and it can help with both osteoarthritis or an inflammatory form such as rheumatoid. But before trying any water-related exercises make sure that they're right for you by talking to either your doctor or physical therapist!
Here are more tips before getting started:
Consider your gear. When you are exercising in deeper water, use a Styrofoam noodle or flotation vest to keep yourself afloat and increase traction on the pool floor. You can also wear weights that will provide more resistance against current movements for an added challenge!
Stay hydrated. It is important to stay hydrated while exercising in the pool. You won’t notice if you're sweating, so be sure to drink plenty of water!
Stop if anything hurts. It’s important to pay attention when your joints start aching. If you feel any new pain, it might mean something more serious and should be checked out by a doctor right away!
Water Walking for Arthritis
Water walking is a great way to keep your joints limber and pain free. This simple aquatic exercise can be done at home or in the local pool, which you know how already! Just take along some waterproof shoes so that when necessary they'll help turn those switchbacks with ease while also keeping feet dry – no matter what happens during practice sessions (especially if there are unexpected rain storms).
- Stand in waist- or chest-high water.
- Walk 10 to 20 steps forward, then walk backward. Repeat.
- For added resistance, increase your speed.
Water aerobics class
Aerobic activities like swimming are often seen as intimidating because they require moderate exercise. However many people that sign up at our gym do so not only in order maintain their physical health but also enjoy them
selves while doing so - making these low pressure sessions an ideal way of meeting others within the same interest group
Forward Lunge
- Stand in waist- or chest-high water (near a pool wall for support, if needed).
- Take an oversized lunge step in a forward direction, without letting your forward knee go past your toes.
- Return to start position and repeat with the other leg.
Sidestepping
- Stand in waist- or chest-high water, facing the pool wall.
- Take sideways steps with your body and toes facing the wall.
- Take 10 to 20 steps in one direction and then return. Repeat in the other direction.
Swimming: The best way to improve your arthritis
Staying active and maintaining an appropriate level of exertion for your joints can help prevent injury. Widening the distance between you and any obstacles during a breaststroke may put too much pressure on single knee joints, so it's best not to do this type of swimmer exercise!
It's important not just to avoid swimming without stretching first! Swimming can increase the risk of injury, so be sure to follow any advice given by your doctor if you decide this is something for which interests or abilities warrant consideration.
If swimming is one of your few coping mechanisms for arthritis pain, then you are not alone. It can be hard to find ways that work well without hurting too much or giving up on exercise all together! Luckily there’s an easy answer—swim some laps and feel better both physically as well mentally from building healthy habits such a strength training while being active indoors during winter months
When combined with other best practices such as a healthy diet, New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Oil supplement, and anything else recommended by your doctor, you too can find ways to make arthritis more manageable and less of a burden.