Fifty-two year old, Cathy, mother of three grown-up children, has been suffering from joint discomfort for the past three years. Over the years, as her weight has gone up so has her level of joint pain. Cathy turned to her doctor who has told her that she must lose at least 15 pounds if she wants to be in better health. He gave her a diet and exercise prescription. One week later Cathy is unable to continue her exercise routine because of joint inflammation and severe joint pain. In discouragement, she has given up on her diet as well. Sound familiar?

The Joint Pain and Exercise Dilemma

This is a vicious cycle that millions of Americans face every day. Being overweight puts stress and pressure on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees.

One surefire way to alleviate some extra pressure on joints is to lose weight through diet and exercise. But for those who suffer from joint discomfort, exercise may aggravate the joints and put a wet blanket on your entire weight loss program. The result may be disappointment … more eating, more weight gain, and more joint discomfort.

Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, as well as to stiffness of joints. Lack of exercise can also weaken the muscles that support joints, putting extra strain on them which can lead to faster decline of joint health.

If you find yourself in this perplexing dilemma there is hope for you yet! Most of us begin an exercise regimen with the best intentions, and tons of enthusiasm and wind up overdoing it. Our high expectations quickly diminish and before you know it you’re too sore to even imagine another day of exercising. So, the first thing to remember is to begin gradually! This cannot be overemphasized. If you suffer from severe joint discomfort, begin with a few minutes of activity, followed by a period of rest. You can gradually build up the activity and rest patterns as your comfort level increases. If you should find a particular joint flaring up, avoid exercising that joint for the day or until the swelling has returned to normal. Gradual progression in the intensity and duration of your exercise routine will strengthen your joints and muscles. In time, it will lead to greater flexibility of joints, without discomfort.

Exercise to Relieve Joint Discomfort

Low-impact or even no-impact exercises work best for those suffering from joint discomfort. Aerobic swimming allows range of motion exercise with minimal strain on joints. A comfortable walk on even ground with proper footwear will not tax your joints. Gradually increase your walking speed so that you are able to take a brisk walk for at least 15 to 20 minutes a day.

Pilates are especially structured for people who need a low impact and low intensity exercise program. Pilates are a flow of body movements that build up strength in the muscles and increase flexibility of joint range and motions. Pilates incorporates precision, poise and breathing making it a great way to exercise and relax at the same time!

Joint Health Supplements

Many people revert to NSAIDs to help them get through painful exercise. Exercising an inflamed joint, because NSAIDs have deadened the pain is more likely to cause damage in the long run. Instead, a better option is to use joint health supplements like GoFlex. These supplements contain a combination of nutrients both natural and herbal, such as glucosamine sulfate, Hyal joint, Interhealth Collagen II, MSM, boswellin and more. Many of these have been researched well. .

Did Cathy eventually lose 15 pounds? Yes, she did! It took time and patience as she did low-impact, low-intensity exercises every day, along with a strict adherence to her diet and the help of joint health supplements. Don't let joint discomfort stop you from exercising. Why? Because exercising can help alleviate joint pain. Doctors recommend exercise for relieving discomfort associated with poor joint health. Initially, it may not make sense to a person who is suffering from excruciating discomfort after each exercise routine. But ask your doctor about using a personalized exercise routine tuned to your level of comfort to help you overcome the hurdle. In time, you can successfully enjoy your exercise plan and look forward to a happy, independent lifestyle for years to come!