Tips for Exercising with Joint Pain

Exercise is essential for successful weight loss. Movement of any kind will help you along your weight loss journey. If you have joint pain or osteoarthritis, try non-weight-bearing activities such as biking, water activity, or chair dancing.

Biking

When biking, you may want to use a recumbent bike, which seats you so you are low to the ground with your legs reaching forward to the pedals. The seat on a recumbent bike is also wider than the seat on an upright bike.

For biking outdoors, try a sturdy mountain bike. You can also buy a larger seat to put on your bike.

Water aerobics or swimming

• You do not need to know how to swim to work out in the water – you can do shallow water or deep-water exercises without swimming.
• Many swim centers also offer classes in water workouts. Check with local pools.
• If money is tight, consider a community pool.
• Consider asking your doctor for a physical therapy referral or a prescription to use a therapeutic pool.

Chair aerobics

• Dance in your chair! See chairdancing.com for some ideas and resources
• Use light hand weights