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 Arthritis Exercises

Arthritis can be a debilitating condition, but with some care and commitment, it doesn't have to get in the way of a full and active life. Arthritis exercises are important for maintaining strength and mobility. By participating in these exercises regularly you'll increase your joint flexibility, improve your posture, maintain muscle mass around the joints, increase bone density - all of which will help lower pain levels.

Additionally, if arthritis is limiting your mobility and causing pain during exercise it's important that you start out slowly with gentle stretches before performing more strenuous activities like running or jogging. Your joints are already under a lot of pressure, and adding to the stress can lead to swelling and inflammation. In order to lower your pain levels and improve your quality of life, it's best to start slow.

This list is for exercises specifically for arthritis sufferers or those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis - not those who have sustained an injury. [BLOCK IMAGE]

Arthritis Exercises 1. Seated rows - This exercise works the upper back, shoulders and arms.  2. Arm circles - Great for increasing shoulder mobility 3. Scapular retraction - A great upper back exercise that helps build stability 4. Wrist extensions - This exercise will strengthen your wrists, hands, forearms and fingers 5. Rows and pull-ups - Choose a machine with a strap that supports your back if needed. 6. Chest flyes or push-ups - Use light weights to build strength 7. Wall squats - A great exercise for increasing mobility in the knees 8. Side leg raises - Strengthens the inner thigh muscles 9. Side planks 10. Lying quadriceps stretch 11. Hamstring stretch 12. Hip flexor stretch 13. Calf stretches 14. Cat and camel 15. Butterfly 16. Seated calf raises 17. Rotator cuff stretches 18. Wall squats 19. Standing calf raises 20. Seated toe shin extension 21.[ARTICLE END]

There are some great exercises to help you build strength and flexibility in your back, shoulders, legs and arms if you suffer from arthritis or osteoarthritis symptoms. You can also work on building mobility in your joints while working on strengthening side muscles. If you have an injury that makes it difficult to do certain exercises, then find a lighter weight at which you are able to perform this exercise, gradually adding weight as you regain strength in the affected area.

For even more exercises, check out: Arthritis Exercises for All Body Areas

Arthritis Exercises [BLOCK IMAGE] List Last Updated July 16, 2011

Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Exercise - Tips on Exercising When You Have Arthritis or Osteoarthritis from the Arthritis Foundation  Check Out:  A Guide to Exercise for Osteoarthritis by John C. Willey   Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Exercises - 12 Ways to Move with Your Pain by Dr. James L. Luke, ND   Arthritis Exercises - 20 'Body Weight Arthritis Exercises' for Beginners by Jan Schroder   Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Exercise - A Beginner's Guide to Stretching from the Arthritis Foundation  Check Out:  79+ Stretches to Ease Your Pain Related Posts: Low Impact Fitness Workout Program for People with Arthritis Articles from EzineArticles.com

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Conclusion People with arthritis and osteoarthritis should always consult a physician before beginning any new exercise program. Many people write in to ask if they can continue with their favorite exercise programs if they have arthritis or osteoarthritis. They should check with their doctor first to see if there are exercises that will help them relieve joint pain, improve joint function and strengthen muscles surrounding the affected joints. Exercises like swimming, walking, jogging, weights and yoga are proven effective in pain relief and management of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms . These exercises can help strengthen muscles around painful joints while improving joint function. Exercise is an important part of managing the symptoms of arthritis.