Do you feel like exercising but the sudden arthritis joint flare-up prevents you from doing so? Are you tired of people telling you to not work out just because you have arthritis?
Well, we believe that with the right guidance and arthritis exercise equipment, you can work on your muscles and stay fit! Contrary to popular belief, it’s okay to exercise but the only catch is that your focus has to be more on technique and form rather than heavy-weight lifting. The former will be lightweight and will only tone your muscles.
Using the right exercise tools for arthritis relief is the best way forward if you are a fitness enthusiast! Listed below are 7 must-have arthritis exercise equipment that are great & convenient to own.
1) Resistance Bands
Depending on how you use them, resistance bands can target a wide range of muscle groups - be it quads, hamstrings, and glutes, or chest, shoulders, lats, triceps, biceps, and abs. Pick resistance bands with tube-like handles for superior grip and ease of use. They are adaptive exercise equipment for arthritis that is multipurpose, easy on the wallet, versatile, and space-saving.
2) Free Weights
When you search online, you’ll be able to find free weights on various marketplaces easily. Going for adjustable dumbbells is a big no-no. Why? Because they tend to be bulky in nature and can put a lot of strain on your fingers and hands. So, stick to free weights as your go-to arthritis exercise equipment. We recommend buying free weights with rubberised grip because they are easy to hold, less likely to slip through your hands, and gentle on your finger, hand, and wrist joints.
3) Exercise Ball
Exercise balls are a great addition to your arthritis exercise equipment set if you wish to improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. It is often known as Swiss balls and is a renowned tool for home exercises. Experts recommend buying an exercise ball from a reputable manufacturer to get nothing but the best quality product. In lieu of cost-cutting and buying a cheaper product, low-quality exercise balls are known to pop which might lead to or aggravate your joint injuries.
4) Foam Roller
A total-body foam roller is the answer to your question, “What arthritis-friendly gym equipment to buy?” It is known to reduce tightness and ease your joint discomfort. Finding your joints stiffer than usual? Feeling constant arthritis pain? Then try foam roller and experience the difference firsthand. We recommend you choose a medium-density roller over a high-density one in order to stay protected from those annoying little nubs or spikes.
5) Finger Exerciser Machine
This is a very compact arthritis exercise equipment known to relax your finger joints. It is one of the most efficient devices to own for improving hand strength. The machine is made of either a small plastic or strong metal device with levers or buttons that users can press with their fingers.
6) Rowing Machine
Known for training your back muscles and core, owning a rowing machine can be a flex in itself. Its cost is slightly on the higher side but is an excellent adaptive exercise equipment for arthritis to have. Keep the lowest resistance in the rowing machine while exercising to ensure your joints and muscles are not over-strained. Please make sure to buy a rowing machine with a bar attachment, instead of an individual cable, as it is easier to grip for people who have arthritis pain in their hands or wrists.
7) Stationary Bike
A recumbent bike or stationary bike is excellent equipment that helps you work out the hips and pelvis. Due to its fixed design, it puts the least resistance on your joints to ensure your arthritis flare-ups are always subsided. Look for a stationary bike with a thick, wide cushion before buying to ensure optimum comfort whenever you work out. Choosing a recumbent bike with handles will further reduce the strain on your joints.
"The general assumption among people with arthritis is that exercise will worsen their symptoms. But, in reality, performing low-intensity exercises promotes the circulation of synovial fluid in the joints which reduces stiffness and helps in joint pain relief. I recommend my patients to use tools like resistance bands and free weights to keep their joint health in good condition.*" - Dr. Ritu Sethi, MD
*Please note: Exercises may vary as per individual patient conditions. It is recommended to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise or before buying any new equipment.
While you buy the above arthritis exercise equipment, you can also strengthen your joints from within with supplements like three60+ Daily Joint Care & Protect. It is research-backed and has no known side effects. The three60+ Daily Joint Care & Protect tablets reduce stiffness, decrease joint pain, improve mobility, and repair cartilage tissues.
Taking care of your joints doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice things you love. If you wish to work out, you can own the above-mentioned 7 arthritis exercise equipment and flex your muscles the way you want to.
