Over Sixty Winter 2022 Digital

WINTER 2022 | OVERSIXTY.COM.AU 10 Heading here qwery qwerty FLANNERY DEAN LIVE WELL MYTH 1: YOU CAN’T EXERCISE If you have arthritis, the right fitness programme could help you get relief from your symptoms by improving strength, balance, flexibility and range of motion. “If you have arthritis, it’s important to stay as active as you can,” says physiotherapist Karen Gordon. TIP Experts recommend at least 30minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week. Dust off your bike, buy a new bathing suit, start strength training – get moving in the ways that bring you the most happiness. MYTH 2: EXERCISE PRODUCES JOINT PAIN The more sedentary you are, the more things are going to hurt. Exercise helps by building strength and flexibility and controlling weight, says Gordon. One less kilogram on the scale equals four kilograms less pressure on your knees. Alternate easy days with more challenging days. Gordon suggests swimming or using an exercise bike when pain is more bothersome. TIP To help with painful, swollen knees, wear a brace. Stiffness could be a sign you need to start moving to lubricate your joints. Always consult a healthcare professional prior to starting an exercise regimen. MYTH 3: PAIN IS ALWAYS A BAD THING Instead, regardpainas a signal topayattention. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve soreness after exercise; taking them before may mask the instructive sensation you need to feel to judgewhen to stop. TIP Stop what you’re doing if joint pain increases after five or ten minutes, says Gordon. Burning discomfort in the muscles, however, is a good thing. MYTH 4: EXERCISE PUTS JOINTS AT RISK Exercise strengthensmuscles, which support joints. Movement lubricates squeaky joints, strengthensmuscles and increases flexibility, which all improve quality of life. TIP Studies show weight-bearing exercise – walking, jogging or lifting weights – produces the healthiest knee cartilage. If sore joints are impeding your workout, you can still head for the pool, where you can jog, squat and do lunges in the water. MYTH 5: YOU SHOULD FOLLOW A RESTRICTIVE EXERCISE REGIME Arthritis sufferers can engage safely in a variety of physical activities. Low-impact activities such as swimming, aquatic exercise, cycling and walking are excellent options. But, so too is running – if it doesn’t cause you pain when you do it or for days afterwards. Listen to your joints and make appropriate modifications. TIP As a rule, walk, don’t run if you have osteoarthritis, and avoid high-impact, twisting racquet sports. LIVE WELL Exercise helps by building strength and flexibility and controlling weight, which means less pressure on your knees Photo: Getty Images  STRESS AND ARTHRITIS The relationship between arthritis and stress is twofold. While coping with the pain of arthritis youmay find yourself getting easily frustrated. In turn, it is proven that stress enhances the pain of arthritis. Looking at the whole picture will help you see that sometimes it’s the emotional baggage and little things that build up to big-time stress. To get a jump on them: • Think, “I’ma winner.” Failures and disappointments canmake youwaste time fretting over what could have been.There’s nothing you can do about what’s past.Think of each setback as a step towhere you’re going. • Take a short view. Sure, the future may hold catastrophe – or not. Don’t sweat what may never come to pass. • Spend face time with friends. Happy people tend to have real social networks they can rely on. – RD.com Exercise can be an effective way of dealing with arthritis symptoms 5 arthritis myths – busted Win a Gaiam Performance Studio Luxe 5mm Yoga Mat, valued at $89.99. To enter, go to www.o60.me/contests WIN!