EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE EXERCISE PROGRAMS

Many people do not like to exercise alone, and exercising with a group can be an excellent support mechanism. When a friend of my mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she joined an aquatic exercise class for people with arthritis. The class is like a support group for her, and with regular exercise and medications, she has been able to resume some of the activities that she had given up before her diagnosis. Others have told me that they enjoy classes because they are surrounded by peers and because the classes are designed with the specific problems of arthritis patients in mind.

Exercise classes can have several pros and cons, depending on the specific class that you are considering. The benefit of exercising with people who have problems similar to yours is substantial. A class designed for people with arthritis uses movements and activities that are more suited to stiff joints and limited ranges of motion. Most such classes use low-impact activities with lessened intensity and include more warm-up and cool-down activities in the session. Psychologically, it can build up your self-esteem to feel you are part of a group.

On the other hand, if you decide to join an exercise class that is designed for a younger, fitter clientele, you may find it does not fit your needs. Although being around young, vibrant people can be invigorating, it can also be discouraging if you cannot keep up with the pace of a class or if you are a person who compares yourself to those around you. Such frustration can lead to discontinuing exercise altogether rather than modifying the activity. Furthermore, some exercise classes include activities that put arthritic joints under excessive stress, potentially increasing pain and stiffness.

If you prefer to exercise in a group, look for classes designed for people with arthritis or classes with low-impact activities. Many hospitals and facilities offer health and fitness classes for specific groups, such as arthritis patients. Qualified instructors who are educated about special needs related to arthritis usually teach their classes. The Arthritis Foundation has developed community-based programs offered nationwide through the YMCA and other facilities.

Determine whether the facility is easily accessible to you and whether the class hours suit your schedule. I suggest going in and observing a session before joining a class; in this way you can evaluate the level of intensity, the types of movements related to your needs, and even the kind of music used in the class. Pay close attention to how the instructor interacts with the participants; keep away from a class in which the instructor comes across like a drill sergeant. A good instructor should check on individuals occasionally, slowing some down and speeding others up. I like instructors who include some education at the beginning of a course—it shows they are interested in meeting your needs.

You can consider several types of group classes, each with potential benefits. Most classes try to include each component of fitness in the activities. The cardiovascular conditioning benefits may not be as substantial as an equally long session of pure aerobic exercise, but you get the advantage of a well-rounded program. The most common types of classes are aerobics (both on land and in water), tai chi, and yoga classes. Other group classes can be beneficial, but these are the most common. Evaluate the one you are considering using the general guidelines provided here.

Aerobics Classes

Tai Chi

Yoga

Personalizing Your Program