What to Look For in a Class

As stated earlier, look for an aerobics class that either is intended for individuals with arthritis or uses only low-impact activities. A low-impact class means that there is not a lot of bouncing and jumping, both of which can be very stressful to your joints. Low-impact classes also have fewer injuries associated with them than do high-impact classes (Janis 1990).

The general fitness benefits of a well-designed aerobics class are determined by its components, although the strengthening benefits are limited. The class should have a warm-up period during which the activity is slowly increased, a period devoted to cardiovascular activity (rhythmic activity using larger muscle groups), and a cool-down period. In addition, most will have some calisthenic activity that is designed to tone the muscles. The resistance is usually your limb or body weight, so the focus is on building muscular endurance.

A good instructor is essential. Find out the instructor's qualifications and experience. This is not to say that a new instructor cannot be good, but make sure that he understands the principles of exercise and knows how to help people with activity adjustments. Several groups offer certification, which ensures at least a basic level of knowledge on the instructor's part. The Arthritis Foundation programs provide instructor training that covers not only exercise principles but also information specific to arthritis.

In the 1980s the Arthritis Foundation introduced a program called PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), which is offered nationwide. If you have one of these programs in your community, I highly recommend it. The classes are designed for people with arthritis, and they have a proven record of accomplishment. They provide education on body mechanics, joint protection, and the basic principles of exercise. The program offers two levels of instruction, a basic and an advanced level, which should meet the needs of most participants. When in doubt, start with the basic class to lower the risk of an overuse injury from starting at too high a level.