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Exercise & Arthritis

Arthritis-Friendly Exercise Tips for the Whole Family

Spend time together and boost your fitness by getting some family-friendly exercise. Exercise doesn’t always have to be such a chore. Working out with loved ones is a great way to spend quality time together, while also improving fitness.

People of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to grandparents can get moving together with these expert suggestions:

  • Get some fresh air.  Go for a walk, hike or bike ride together. 
  • Get competitive. Play an active video game. Some gaming systems, including Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, get you on your feet. 
  • Stay active on cold or rainy days. Follow a yoga or exercise video. 
  • Take dance breaks. Get everyone moving during TV commercials. While you’re all watching the game or a movie, crank up the music and dance.

Arthritis can be unpredictable. Staying positive as a family, during tough times can be a challenge. Chronic anxiety fueled by the uncertainty of living with arthritis can worsen symptoms, says Skyler Hamilton, PhD, LMHC, who studies the role of the mind-body connection in autoimmune diseases.

Here are some ways to help your entire family stay happy and healthy:

  • Listen to Soul-Soothing Music: When you can’t turn off negative thoughts, turn on some positive feel-good music like Earth Wind and Fire, ELO and ABBA.
  • Practice Deep Breathing: Deep breathing has the power to tame anxious brain activity almost instantly. To reap the benefits of deep breathing, try this simple exercise:

1. Begin sitting or lying in a comfortable position.

2. Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs, and the other hand on your chest.

3. Inhale for six counts through your nose, letting your belly push your hand. Your chest should not move. Hold for four counts.

4. With pursed lips, exhale for eight counts. Feel the hand on the belly go in and use it to push out all the excess air.

Explore the Great Outdoors: When you’re overwhelmed, taking a simple stroll outside can help restore a sense of inner peace and calm. Lastly, having a support network and helpful resources can be powerful tools during tough times.

To access the full article on exercise and stress-busting tips for Juvenile Arthritis, click here.

Useful links:

1. Arthritis Tips | Anxiety and Stress-Busting Tips

2. Children Get Arthritis Too, With Life-changing Effects - But Exercise Can Help | Jonathan Watson, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Oak Lawn, IL