Walking
Walking is good for anyone, especially people with arthritis. It’s an endurance exercise, which means it strengthens your heart, helps your lungs work more efficiently and gives you more stamina so you don’t tire as easily. As a weight-bearing exercise (one that puts full weight on your bones), walking helps strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). This is especially important if you’re taking glucocorticoids for your arthritis, which can weaken bones.
Walking strengthens your muscles and helps maintain joint flexibility. For people with arthritis, muscle and joint benefits are important because joints become more stiff and muscles weaken with inactivity. As walking strengthens the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints, it helps to better protect those joints and keep them ready for daily activities.
In addition to all the physical benefits, walking also brings with it a host of psychological perks. Regular exercise helps you sleep better, controls your weight and lifts your spirits. It can play an important part in combating the depression, fatigue and stress that accompany your arthritis.
This information was taken from the Walking and Arthritis brochure. Get more information about walking and download your own 12-Week Walking Plan.
