Yoga is a perfect exercise for Arthritis. It is a practice of exercises, breathing techniques and meditation that started in ancient India and has helped to boost physical and mental health for over 5,000 years.
We have read many articles and created blogs about the importance of regular exercise when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Yoga is no different. It keeps muscles strong to support the joints, and movement is important to reduce stiffness.
Yoga can be a fun alternative to walking, swimming, biking, and other activities. Like any other type of exercise, yoga helps you stay at a healthy weight and get stronger, which in turn takes pressure off your joints. Being fit also makes you less likely to get heart disease and diabetes, two conditions that are more common if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
How Yoga Helps
Yoga is flexible. It can be modified in many ways to help protect your joints and can be adapted to the specific needs of most individuals.
If you have problems with your wrists or knees, you can adjust to protect them.
Yoga has other benefits for people with stiff joints due to arthritis. Stretching exercises in general help improve range of motion, so the fact that you’re stretching in yoga will help flexibility.
Yoga is good for stress
We know that stress worsens RA symptoms, so it’s important to manage stress effectively and to listen to your body. When you practice yoga, you learn to listen to and respect your body as it is today, here and now. You learn to focus on yourself and on calming and quieting your body. By doing yoga, you’re learning how to relax and let go of muscle tension.
Safe Practice
There are many different types of Yoga. If you suffer from RA choose a gentle type of yoga. If you’re just starting out, you should avoid power yoga, Ashtanga, Bikram or hot yoga.
You must be taught by an instructor who understands your limitations. Postures should be modified to suit your needs. Props can be used to help balance during poses. Because it allows the use of aids.
Before starting yoga speak to your rheumatologist or GP to ensure that yoga is right for you.
If you suffer from Arthritis and have difficulty pouring hot water safely, follow the link here to purchase your own Uccello Kettle.
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