Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Favorite exercise video?

melissaenderle
melissaenderle
Do any of you have a favorite exercise video that you use? I'd like to find one that is aerobic, but gentle on the joints.
jordanmann12
jordanmann12
Hi,

I am glad that you asked this question. I have also been wondering the same thing. I heard that yoga can be beneficial. I used to run and bike a lot, but ever since I developed RA, it seems nearly impossible.
MaryPop
MaryPop
I actually went on Amazon and found a DVD that is Yoga for Arthritis. It seems to be very gentle on the joints and gets me to stretch and move which is always good. It shows the exercises being done in three different positions: 1) standing only, 2) standing and using a chair for support and balance, and 3) seated for the entire video. So far, I really like it and "try" to do it 3x week.
trinaunz
trinaunz
@melissa - you can do pretty much any exercise video as long as you adjust the exercises to what you can manage. If you think about it, that's true of any beginner starting out with something new.

My favorite for an aerobic workout is Jari Love Get Ripped 1000 that combines weight work and cardio. The duration is 55 minutes, but I typically do 30, and there are modifications for every cardio set. I have most of the Jari Love collection and I alternate among the videos depending on whether I want cardio or weights. I've been doing this routine 3 times a week since last August and I feel stronger and more in control of my body as a result.
melissaenderle
melissaenderle
I bought the Yoga for Arthritis DVD this Christmas. I definitely like the differentiated poses. I'd love to find a similar type for the times when I want to do a more aerobic workout. The video that I used normally is a bit too much for me right now in terms of speed and movement.