Keeping moving and making regular movement part of your week is important. By doing strength and stretching exercises you can help to boost your mood, increase mobility (which can help with daily tasks) and ease pain.

Benefits of strengthening and stretching

Strengthening and stretching exercises are beneficial as they:

• are lower impact and won’t put excess stress on your joints
• can help blood flow and improve circulation which can help boost energy levels and ease aches and pains
• can be done at home and you don’t need special equipment
• can done at a pace and time to suit you.

What type of exercises can you try?

Some people with arthritis find yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates helpful as they focus on gradual movement and muscle strength. They can be adapted to your needs and you can find lots of free resources online, for example:

• Let’s Move is our online programme for people who want more movement in their lives.  Sign up today, and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. 
• NHS Pilates and arthritis video
• NHS – a guide to Tai Chi
• Age UK - Around the house in 80 days. An initiative aimed at helping older people to build strength, balance and flexibility.

If you do a class with an instructor, ask them for any modifications to exercises, if needed.

Nafisa’s story

Nafisa is 54 and has rheumatoid arthritis and she shares how starting gradually with exercise and regularly moving has helped her with her arthritis.

“Start gradually, even if you feel you can’t do it.”

I started with a stress ball, I used to do different exercises whilst I was watching TV. Then over time I could do a little more. Motivation when you’re in pain is the hardest thing, rheumatoid or any pain is so painful.

It can feel like broken bones, if you’re saying to someone to move more and you have this kind of pain – then you can be asking why?!

“When I noticed my body responding, it gave me motivation.”

I woke up with less pain in my fingers. I could pick up the phone quicker and put it to my ear in 3 seconds, before it took me 15-20 seconds.

I’ve started doing yoga again and I do gentle chair yoga. Yoga isn't just about the downward dog; I do slow movements and stretches.

Learn to let go and breathe as part of any exercise, this can really help. If you hold your breath and tense your muscles, this restricts movement.

“My advice to others would be…”

Be aware of what your body can do and listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel some days you need to move a little less, do it. You can do stretches in bed.

Believe it, movement won’t harm you. If you are sat in a chair thinking you can’t do this, you can. As I was sat in a chair thinking the same!