5 Things You Might Like to Know About Exercising With Lupus

Exercise is good for everyone, and even more so if you suffer from lupus. The type of exercise you can do and the more you can push yourself will depend on the severity of your condition and how you are feeling at the time. Always consult your healthcare providers before engaging in any new form of exercise.

Here are a few important facts about exercising with lupus that you should be aware of according to the Lupus Foundation of America:

Any low-impact exercise such as yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, swimming, walking or cycling will help to improve muscle tone and keep you fit without damaging joints.

Muscle strength, gained by walking and other low-impact exercises, is key for lupus patients to avoid disability. Read more here.

When it comes to exercising with lupus, it’s important to try different types of exercises so that different muscle groups are being worked.

Read our nine tips for living well with lupus here. 

We all know that stress is really bad for lupus and more likely to lead to flares, so keeping your stress levels as low as possible is critical. Gentle exercise has been proven to reduce stress, so next time you’re feeling a bit on edge, go for a walk or join a yoga class.

Exercise for lupus: Yoga for elbows, wrists, knees and joint pain. Find out more here. 

If you’re suffering from swollen joint or severe pain, then don’t push yourself to go out and exercise, listen to your body. Limit high-impact exercises such as running, dance classes and weight-lifting to allow your body to fully recover afterward.

Read our relaxation tips for lupus patients here. 

Gentle yoga or Tai Chi are excellent exercises that can actively help with muscle and joint pain. Meditation, breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques will also help you to overcome some of the symptoms of lupus.

Aching joints can also be relieved by soaking in a warm bath, taking warm showers or using damp warm towels on the affected joints. Cold compresses or ice should only be used for actual injuries to joint or muscles.

Could physiotherapy help with lupus muscles pains and aches? Find out here. 
Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.