Physical activity with Arthritis

Regular physical activity can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Being physically active can make you more energetic, improve your mood, and reduce the risk of developing some chronic diseases. Physical activity also helps you feel, move, and look better.
Whether your goal is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight or improve your health, becoming physically active is a step in the right direction.
Learn how to better take advantage of the health benefits of physical activity.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Calories in Food > Calories Used = Weight GainCalories in Food < Calories Used = Weight LossCalories in Food = Calories Used = Weight Control
Physical activity helps you control your weight by using excess calories that would otherwise be stored as fat. Most foods contain calories, and everything you do uses calories, including sleeping, breathing, and digesting food. Balancing the calories you eat with the calories you use through physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight.
Becoming Physically Active
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, particularly after you have lost a large amount of weight, you may need to do 60 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.
If you have been inactive for a while, start slowly and work up to 30 minutes a day at a pace that is comfortable for you.
Many Forms Of Physical ActivityPhysical activity may include structured activities such as:
cycling
walking
running
swimming
Physical activity also includes daily activities such as household chores, yard work, or walking the dog. Pick a combination of structured and daily activities that fit your schedule.
Note: If you are unable to be active for 30 minutes at one time, accumulate physical activity over the course of the day in 10 to 15 minute sessions.
Health Benefits of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity helps control your weight and may help reduce your risk of or manage chronic diseases such as:
type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure and cholesterol
heart disease
osteoporosis
arthritis
some cancers
Regular physical activity may also help:
Build strong muscles, bones, and joints.
Improve flexibility and balance.
Ward off depression.
Improve mood and sense of well-being.