Alternative exercise for people with joint issues

The spring months can be an uplifting time, as the sun begins to make a more regular appearance, the weather becomes a little warmer and events such as the regional marathons reflect inspiring stories of people’s generosity and capabilities all around us. A 2015 study found that there are in fact links between our physical activity levels and bodies’ ability to produce vitamin D, so it’s no wonder we find ourselves wanting to get out more and do something fulfilling.

You might have seen our recent blog on whether or not running is good for our long-term health and mobility which, whilst dispelling the myths around links with arthritis, highlights that running will not be the best option for you if you have problems with your joints, arthritic conditions or might be prone to joint injury as a result of being overweight or other conditions.

We’ve highlighted some more gentle forms of exercise as an alternative if you’re feeling motivated to try something new.

Circuit training

Circuit training is a great way of improving your cardiac health, strength and flexibility. It usually involves different ‘stations’ or set-ups for different types of activity, so that you gradually move from one to another in short intervals and spend a set amount of time on each exercise. This could include gentle weight activity, core body exercises and cardio workouts.

One of the key benefits of circuit training is that it can be easily adapted to suit different levels of ability.

Balance, flexibility and stability exercises

If you’re keen to improve your overall strength and balance to support a better sense of independence in life, balance and flexibility classes can be an empowering choice. These classes are ideal if you are slightly older and have perhaps had a fall in the past or feel worried about falling and can help improve your core strength and posture.

Alternatively, if you have previously suffered an injury to your lower limbs or experience weakness as a result of previous surgery or other conditions, lower limb stability classes can help you to rebuild confidence and general wellbeing around your mobility in a safe and friendly environment.

Modified pilates

Pilates can be an incredibly fulfilling form of exercise, although most forms as we know it are also physically demanding and not suitable for all ages and abilities. However, modified pilates classes allow for those with injuries, chronic pain or other conditions and restrictions to begin practising at a more gentle pace, helping to strengthen deep abdominal muscles, improve flexibility, posture and balance and generally instil a better sense of wellbeing.

At Horder Healthcare, we are passionate about ensuring that your health, fitness and wellbeing are cared for as one, which is why we hold a variety of our own exercise classes with trained rehabilitators. You can use our online booking system here or get in touch with us to find out more.

What makes Horder Healthcare unique

Horder Healthcare is committed to providing the very best quality of care for our patients and customers. We are continuously working on improving and reducing risks and this is reflected in our consistently high CQC results, patient satisfaction questionnaires and minimal levels of infection.

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