What are my exercise options?
A wide variety of exercise options are available to you, such as walking, swimming, yoga, weight training, or range of motion activities. But whatever exercise you choose to do, it must be appropriate for your physical abilities and may need to be customized to accommodate your symptoms and limitations. Members of your care team, including your doctor, nurse, physical therapist (PT), or occupational therapist (OT), can help you in designing an exercise program that suits you. They will have invaluable advice about what sorts of exercises will be most helpful to you and what to avoid. They will also instruct you in proper technique to prevent joint damage.
Three types of exercise you should incorporate into your workout
There are three basic types of exercise: exercises for strength, endurance (aerobic), and range of motion (flexibility). Ideally, you should combine all three to get the full benefit of a total workout.
Three basic types exercises you need
Strength
- Weight training
- Yoga
- Resistance training
Endurance (aerobic)
- Running
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Walking
Range of motion
- Yoga
- Stretching (passive and active)
- Pilates
You’ll find that certain activities are sources for some or all of the three types of exercise you need. For instance, yoga and Tai Chi can be used to increase or maintain both strength and range of motion. Some water aerobics programs are designed to provide aerobic exercise and increase and maintain strength.
