Arthritis and Exercise

agfitnessandhealth
5 days ago
3 min read

Best Exercise for Arthritis: Safe, Effective Movement That Reduces Pain and Improves Mobility

If you’re living with arthritis, you might be wondering what is the best exercise for arthritis pain?

The good news is this: exercise is one of the most effective, natural ways to manage arthritis symptoms, improve joint health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle — especially for women over 40.

The key isn’t stopping exercise.

It’s choosing the right type of exercise for arthritis.

Why Exercise Is Important for Arthritis

Regular, joint-friendly exercise helps to:

Reduce joint pain and stiffness

Improve mobility and flexibility

Strengthen muscles around the joints

Support weight management

Improve balance and confidence

Boost mood and overall wellbeing

Whether you have osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis or age-related joint pain, movement plays a vital role in long-term joint health.

1. Strength Training for Arthritis

One of the best exercises for arthritis is strength training — and it’s often the most misunderstood.

Strong muscles support and protect your joints, reducing strain and improving stability.

Benefits of strength training for arthritis:

Improves joint support

Reduces pain over time

Increases bone density

Makes everyday movements easier

Best options include:

Light to moderate dumbbells

Resistance bands

Bodyweight exercises

Controlled, low-impact strength workouts

For women over 40 and 50, strength training is especially important to counter muscle loss and support joint health.

2. Low-Impact Exercise for Arthritis

Low-impact movement is ideal for keeping joints moving without excessive stress.

Best low-impact exercises for arthritis:

Walking

Pilates

Cycling

Swimming or water-based exercise

Low-impact fitness classes

These forms of exercise help maintain mobility, reduce stiffness and improve cardiovascular health — without aggravating joints.

3. Pilates, Mobility & Stretching for Arthritis

Pilates and mobility-focused exercise are excellent for arthritis management.

Benefits include:

Improved joint range of motion

Reduced stiffness and tightness

Better posture and alignment

Improved core strength and balance

Adding stretching, fascia release, foam rolling or gentle mobility work can significantly improve how your joints feel day to day.

4. Listening to Your Body with Arthritis

One of the most important principles when exercising with arthritis is learning the difference between discomfort and pain.

✔️ Mild muscle soreness is normal

❌ Sharp or joint pain is not

Start gently, progress gradually and adapt exercises as needed. Consistency matters more than intensity.

The AG Fitness & Health Approach to Arthritis-Friendly Exercise

At AG Fitness & Health, exercise for arthritis is:

Supportive, not punishing

Adaptable for all fitness levels

Focused on strength, mobility and confidence

Designed for real women and real life

You don’t need extreme workouts or high-impact exercise to feel better.

You need safe, effective movement that supports your joints and your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Exercise Is Medicine for Arthritis

The best exercise for arthritis is one you can do regularly, safely and with confidence.

Strength training, low-impact movement, Pilates and mobility work together to help you:

Move better

Feel stronger

Reduce pain

Stay active for life

If arthritis has made you nervous about exercise, let this be your reminder:

Your body isn’t broken — it just needs the right kind of movement and support 💚

About Andrea Gaynor

Hey, I’m Andrea, founder of AG Fitness and Health. I help women over 40 feel strong, confident, and more like themselves again through fitness, nutrition, and self-care that actually fits into real life. I’ve been in the fitness game for 27+ years — and I get how things change in your 40s and beyond.

My style is supportive, no fluff, and always focused on helping you feel empowered and supported every step of the way. 💪

Want to get started? Grab a pair of dumbells and try this FREE at-home workout I created just for women like you:

👉 10-Minute Full Body Dumbell Workout

https://youtu.be/3RI6AaxAphU?si=WcxmzPpkbu-VOcPQ

How you can work with me!!

Face to Face community classes

www.bookwhen.com/andreagaynor

VIP CLUB-Online Fitness Studio

Morning Workout Community

Message for a free week trial.

121 Coaching- Drop me a message for full details

Retreats and Events