The US Center for Disease Control & Prevent has some great tips for introducing exercise and explains why physical activity is so important for people with arthritis.

If you have arthritis, participating in joint-friendly physical activity can improve your arthritis pain, function, mood, and quality of life. Joint-friendly physical activities are low-impact, which means they put less stress on the body, reducing the risk of injury. Examples of joint-friendly activities include walking, biking and swimming. Being physically active can also delay the onset of arthritis-related disability and help people with arthritis manage other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Learn how you can safely exercise and enjoy the benefits of increased physical activity with these S.M.A.R.T. tips.

Start low, go slow.

Modify activity when arthritis symptoms increase, try to stay active.

Activities should be “joint friendly.”

Recognize safe places and ways to be active.

Talk to a health professional or certified exercise specialist.

Low-impact aerobic activities do not put stress on the joints and include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes, and dancing.

Muscle-strengthening exercises include lifting weights, working with resistance bands, and yoga. These can be done at home, in an exercise class, or at a fitness center.

Flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga are also important for people with arthritis. Many people with arthritis have joint stiffness that makes daily tasks difficult. Doing daily flexibility exercises helps maintain range of motion so you can keep doing everyday things like household tasks, hobbies, and visiting with friends and family.

Balance exercises like walking backwards, standing on one foot, and tai chi are important for those who are at a risk of falling or have trouble walking. Do balance exercises 3 days per week if you are at risk of falling.”

These great tips from CDC can help you introduce gentle exercise and be active with arthritis.

Research has indicated that emu oil is effective in reducing arthritic pain, including a 2004 Victoria University study that found that both topical application and internal supplementation of emu oil offered relief from osteoarthritis.

Supplementing your diet with emu oil capsules is the best way to deliver the anti-inflammatory goodness of this oil directly to your digestive system. We recommend checking with your medical practitioner before adding emu oil to your treatment plan.