The Benefits of Water Based Activities for Arthritis

Over 58 million Americans are currently living with arthritis. With the youngest living with the condition can be 17 years of age.  Since life can be hectic and we must jump from one task to the next it can be hard to manage pain and flare ups. When a joint becomes inflamed, this can be incredibly painful and make movement difficult. This means that the thought of exercise goes out the window.

Exercise is important for those living with arthritis, It helps to increase your strength and flexibility. It reduces joint pain and can help in the management of arthritis fatigue. This is why swimming and other water based activities are some of the best activities for arthritis.

Why Does Water Help Arthritis?

When you swim, near 90% of your body weight is supported by the water. The environment supports your bodies movement and can help you overcome the painful movement in your joints. It has 12 times more resistance than air, so movement in water helps to tone and strengthen muscles without the discomfort you may experience in other exercise. Exercise in water can also help you to improve your balance and coordination.

Swimming reduces further risk of arthritis by allowing a person to maintain their normal muscle strength and structure of joints. So swimming is not only one of the great exercises for arthritis but also for holding off arthritis.

Water Based Activities to Help With Arthritis:

• Swimming

Swimming is a great way to move. However, if you’re not a swimmer, there are other ways to move in water:

1. Aqua Jogging – It’s like running in water.
2. Water aerobics – Works on your upper and lower body and the water is generally waist deep.
3. Hot tub stretching – Relax with the bubbles and still give yourself a workout.

Of course, there is nothing like sitting and enjoying a cup of tea after a workout, regardless of whether it be in a gym or a swimming pool. For those with arthritis, we certainly have the best kettle here for you. Learn more about the Uccello Kettle here today. The perfect tilt-to-pour kettle.

To learn more about the supports in place to help those with arthritis, please feel free to click over to Arthritis Foundation.