Rebounding Arthritis

Sponsors

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus & need to find ways to make exercising possible with my conditions?

I'm 25 & am still trying to get rid of the baby belly fat left after having our latest baby. Having RA & Lupus makes it very difficult for me to even walk on some days because of my pain and inflammation throughout my body. My neck has a deformity that makes it very painful to do situps and crunches, my back has a lot of problems too, I used to LOVE to exercise before, so it isn't because I don't want to, I'm physically not able to do much. But I really want to find an exercise plan that will help me lose 20lbs in a way that is not too streneous on my body with it's current limitations. Does anyone know of low imact exercises, or better yet any programs for someone with my condition that teaches exercising with disability?

If you can get to a YMCA with a heated pool, water aerobics or a water arthritis class is an excellent choice.

The Piedmont Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America has an excellent exercise video "The Right Moves" which you can probably handle even on your worst days.

Gaiam has a chair yoga program. You can find that at www.gaiam.com. They also have fantastic Tai Chi and Chi Qong videos that you might be able to handle.

Look for a Tai Chi or Chi Qong class. The Arthritis Foundation usually keeps a list.

Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructional DVD

Yoga for Arthritis: The Complete Guide $9.99 A comprehensive, user-friendly medical yoga program designed for management and prevention of arthritis.Arthritis restricts movement; yoga increases range of motion: these two were made for each other. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in this country, limiting everyday activities for more than seven million Americans. Drugs, surgeries, and steroids can alleviate some of the discomforts...