{"id":234,"date":"2021-04-26T04:35:23","date_gmt":"2021-04-26T04:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flexiseq.com\/?p=234"},"modified":"2024-10-26T15:49:50","modified_gmt":"2024-10-26T15:49:50","slug":"the-benefits-of-weights-for-joint-pain-arthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flexiseq.com\/blogs\/expert-advice\/the-benefits-of-weights-for-joint-pain-arthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"The benefits of weights for joint pain & arthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
It may sound counterintuitive, but weight and strength training really can help reduce the pain of arthritis. In fact, a review of eight studies on adults with osteoarthritis found that following a strength training programme reduced the pain participants felt by 35%.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re not suggesting you try to lift 100KG weights – if you are experiencing bad arthritis pain you may want to take it easy for the day – but adding strength training to your exercise regime can be really beneficial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
We naturally lose muscle mass as we age, which can slow down our metabolism and contribute to weight gain. Having a high BMI (overweight or obese) can put extra pressure on the joints, which can make the pain of arthritis worse. Luckily, you can lessen the natural effects of ageing by working your muscles in weight and strength training.<\/p>
Studies have shown that exercising with arthritis is crucial. It helps strengthen the muscles around the joint and by keeping joints moving we get essential nutrients circulating to the joint. Keeping active has even been proven to help reduce the pain of arthritis and improve function. When you first start exercising with arthritis it’s usual to feel a little pain, but listen to your body and only do what you can manage. <\/p>
If you’re in any doubt as to what you can and cannot do consult with your healthcare professional who will be able to give you clear personalised advice. <\/p><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
You might think that strength training would put too much pressure on your joints and could make arthritis worse. We do recommend speaking to your doctor before undertaking a new exercise regime, but strength training can be undertaken by people who have arthritis.<\/p>\n
Osteoarthritis is not caused by too much exercise, and exercise does not damage the joints. People who have had sporting injuries are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in that joint, but even extreme sportsmen and women are not usually more prone to osteoarthritis. So anything that gets you moving is good. <\/p>
You also don’t need to assume that strength training should involve equpiment. Exercises such as using your own body weight to strengthen muscles can be a great form of exercise to help strengthen muscles around painful joints. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n