Even on the best of days it can be difficult to stick with the exercise plan carefully laid out by you and your doctor or physical therapist. And when your symptoms are flaring, the pain, stiffness and inflammation can make even the thought of exercise almost unbearable. Below are some helpful hints to help you stay motivated.

Why Exercise?
When you first discussed exercise with your health care provider, he or she probably did not spend a lot of time talking about the benefits of exercise. Throughout our lives we’ve heard that exercise is “good for you,” but if you’re living with arthritis, exercise is particularly important. Exercise has been shown to increase muscle strength, endurance and flexibility and reduce weight. It has also been shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness, and improve overall sense of well-being.
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