Four-Legged Personal Trainer

One of the many reasons I love having a furry four-legged friend is that they get you out walking, regardless of the weather or whether or not you feel like going. It’s like having a live-in personal trainer who demonstrates exuberance at the mere mention of the w word with the wag of a tail and a toothy smile.

I am fortunate in that I have access to a number of places where I can walk with my dog on natural surfaces. On surfaces that are designed by Mother Nature. On surfaces that are kinder to arthritic feet.

How do you ensure that you get out for a daily constitutional?

Exercise

If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. This adage is markedly true when you have rheumatoid arthritis.

But what do you do when your joints are screaming, as they do when you are experiencing a flare-up or have joint destruction?  Dependent upon what is going on, every bend, each step, or even a reach can cause excruciating pain.

Do bring up your concerns with your doctor or rheumatologist, who may adjust your medications. You may be referred to a physiotherapist who can advise you on the best exercises for your condition, and help you with that all-important P.C. Thinking (and acting).

Remember that short and sweet do count. (I’m talking exercise! ) If a walk around the block is too much for you, modify it – take a walk around the house, or even, in the house. Get creative and sneaky – squeezing exercise in by – yes, squeezing and tightening, loosening and stretching!

Be gentle with yourself. Do your best and accept that some days your best isn’t as good as it was the day before. It is, however, your best for that day.

You may be interested in an article written by Mary Byrne Eigel and reposted on Boomer Highway by  Beth Havey - How Exercise Can Help with Chronic Pain. Both blogs are well worth the visit!

Image courtesy of Horton Group.