Yoga

Yoga is another nontraditional exercise that has potential benefits for people with arthritis. As with tai chi, its original purpose is not exercise, but in this case, a means of achieving self-understanding. The National Coalition for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine has classified yoga as a “mind-body” therapy because of its emphasis on physical and mental integration. The most common form in the United States is hatha yoga, which focuses on postures and breathing control. Yoga may be helpful in developing and maintaining flexibility, coordination, muscle tone, and balance. Participation in yoga appears to yield specific physical benefits (such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol) as well as improved exercise tolerance (Austin and Laeng 2003). The research demonstrates that benefits for people with arthritis are limited, but promising. These benefits include decreased pain and improved range of motion (Garfinkel et al. 1994). Some people swear by yoga for its effect on improving and maintaining flexibility, as well as for its meditative properties.

What to Look For in a Class

Basic Requirements