Psoriatic arthritis and working out

[Caroline]

Well lately my knee has ballooned up it's crazy just walking to the front door seems an effort (old before my time kinda feeling)
Seen the rheumatoligist today she told me I need to lose some of my chunky tummy easier said than done ( but must be done ) she also told me to join the gym if I can afford it ( well if I'm quitting chocolate I'm sure I'll manage it) anyone with the condition use the gym? Or would I be wasting my money? of what exercises/ activities do you do?
Thanks in advance. X

Hi Lucky,

Yes, I am twice a week in the Spinning class. But I think my PsA is better in control than yours.
I cannot run anymore, at least not for long as I used to do, but changed to spinning and that is going wonderful as it has a good distribution of forces on your body, much better than running.
Advantage of spinning is next that you really burn calories in a very short time, about 800-900 kcal, and that while starting out in a cold exercise room, within 15 minutes you are quite warm and in the end you sweat all over ! Really fun also in a group of people with exciting music. I does a lot for the motivation.
Zumba is also fun, but a little heavier for you feet.

LL's idea on walking in water is imho also a great solution, had not thought of that yet, nothing for me though, I am much too restless for something like that.

If I estimate your situation with your knee, I would be careful. The water exercise seems great, if you would like to pick up something like spinning that you must be careful and avoid certain parts of the exercises, listening to your body.

My Physiotherapist, whom I was with in the beginning, said to me that with these kind of diseases, like PsA or Rheuma, one needs to stay on exercise to keep your joints flexible.

cheers,
Caroline