Feeling weighed down by arthritis? The positive news is that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments.

Australians suffering from arthritis generally can help manage their condition with the aid of mobility exercises, strengthening exercises and fitness exercises.
Mobility exercises
Consider mobility exercises as things you might perform during a warm-up, which are mainly dynamic stretching exercises such as shoulder circles, elbow bends, hip swings, wrist and ankle circles. They're designed to get blood flowing to the joints and to prevent a build-up of fluid on the joint.
Strengthening exercises
Starting off with lighter weights (1kg - 3kg is generally a good place to start) to avoid injury is generally a good idea. You can progress towards heavier weights once you've warmed up your muscles. Once again, make sure you are using a full range of motion during each exercise, so pay attention to good technique.

Unless you have been instructed otherwise by your exercise physician, compound exercises can be useful. These may include squats (for your legs), chest press/push-ups (for the chest), lat pulldown/seated row (for the back), shoulder press/upright row (for shoulders), bicep curls (targeting the biceps), triceps press down for the triceps and medicine ball twists (for the abs).
Fitness exercises
Once again, you want exercises that are going to work the muscles and joints in a full range of motion; however, you don't want excessive impact resonating through the joints. Exercising using a recumbent exercise bike, a Cardio Gym (which will work more muscles, strengthen more joints, and burn more calories than an upright bike), or an elliptical cross trainer with lower impact on the joints are other great fitness exercises to consider.

Furthermore, other exercises, such as swimming, are impact free; work the joints in a full range of motion and gives the entire body a workout.
Physical activity can help:
- Decrease joint pain
- Prevent join stiffness
- Improve mobility
- Strengthen muscles and bones
- Decrease muscle tension
- Improve posture and balance
- Improve overall health and fitness

Because everyone's health and fitness needs are different, always consult your physician before commencing any new exercise program. This article is general in nature and is a guide only.