For rheumatoid arthritis sufferers (an autoimmune disease that causes inflamed joints), hitting the gym might sound incredibly daunting. Not surprisingly, research reports that two in five rheumatoid arthritis patients live an inactive lifestyle. The study, published in Arthritis Care & Research, reports that 56.5 percent of female sufferers don’t work out at a “moderate to vigorous level for at least 10 minutes a day.”
Understandable? Absolutely. Chronic joint pain and fatigue certainly aren’t motivators. Talk to your specialist if this describes you—in some cases, physical activity can actually improve muscle strength and flexibility.
