I have had RA for 34 years ( got it at 25) and water exercise has been
a life saver.  Right now I have a brace on my right arm that I can't
get wet so I can't exercise in the water for awhile causing me to be
quite grumpy.  Water exercise keeps the muscles strong without harming
the joints.

Once you have attended the arthritis classes for awhile you will know
which of the excercises benefit you most.  I don't attend classes
anymore but do the exercises on my own.  I also like to do "water
running".  I do this by sitting on a noodle and moving my arms and legs
like I'm running -- this is in the deep end of course.

I find the warm pool (like you 84 degree pool) works best for me.  A
cold pool makes my muscles tighten and I don't seem to get the same
benefits.

Good for you.  Positive steps for sure.  I used to love the heated pool
where I went and did the cold water exercises that others were doing in the
warm one.   A person does have to pay attention to when chemicals were added
to the heated pool.   They are so strong that they will take the color out
of your swimming suit and if they start to add while you are in the pool,,,,
get out for awhile and let it mix and settle down.
  Depending on what the temp they keep the pool at tells you how long you
can stay in it.   At 1o4 degrees, I could only stay in the pool for 12
minutes.  It lowers your blood pressure and could make it hard for you to
get out.   Lower degrees,,,,, longer time.
Harv

I have done water exercises twice now.  I did one time in a therapy pool
that was very very warm. When getting out all I wanted to do was sleep, I
was so tired but loved the effect it had on pain reduction.

I just got done with regular pool exercises this past month.  It was nice
but the water temp was too cold towards the end and when people have blue
lips you know it LOL.
But I would highly recommend it to any one.  It really helps you get limber
and reduce pain levels in muscles as well as joints.
JUST be careful when you first start them.  YOU go gun ho and then come
home and feel like crap and hurt either that night or next day.  BEEN
THERE...so if you just relax and do not over do, think you are on land you
will be fine.  DON"T give up though, just keep going.

Being with friends with arthritis or whatever gives you a boost in itself.
The lupus foundation has grants that help pay for classes too, so apply to
them if you want.   Plus call your local arthritis foundation and see if
they have that to help ward off payment.....

good luck and hold your nose if you don't like splashing LOL.

janers

Hi,

I've been going to an arthritis class at our local YMCA for six years
now.  It is great exercise and a good place to meet others with similar
challanges.  I like the water warmer because it keeps my muscles from
tensing so much.

Buy your suits when they are on sell because the chlorine will "eat"
them.  But that's alright you can just pull out one of your bargain
suits you've been saving.  I don't get in below my shoulders.  None of
us do.  Don't want to mess up my hair.  LOL  There aren't any exercises
that we need to do with our head under the water so that's not a
problem.

Hope you get to join and enjoy it as much as I have.

debbie m.

My arthritis exercise class was in a pool that was supposed to be warm
water, but most of the time it was not.  It was at the YMCA and they had
swim meets there.  Before a meet, the water was "cooled" off for the
swimmers, and I would really be cold.  It was doing me more harm than good
so I just had to stop.  OA and cold water just don't go together well.
Gwen