(ThyBlackMan.com) If you’re in pain, there’s a temptation to skip exercising. But exercise can often help reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy. The good news is that you don’t have to run a marathon to get back to the business of life.
“Everybody can do something,” says Perry Fine, MD, a board member at the American Pain Foundation. Exercise “does actually allow people not only to reduce their perception of pain but to overcome limited functioning.”
Just remember to pace yourself and consult a physical therapist for advice. Here are 5 types of exercise that can help get you moving.
1. Swimming
“Swimming is great for people who have osteoarthritis, who have 
musculoskeletal issues or any joint disease where any kind of impact may exacerbate an underlying problem,” says Dr. Fine, a professor of anesthesiology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, in Salt Lake City.
The reason: Swimming (and other forms of water exercise) defies gravity, so there aren’t any unpleasant and potentially damaging jolts to the joints.
2. Light-weight and strength training
Weight training is particularly helpful for people suffering from arthritis.
The “exercises strengthen the joints around the injury and that takes some of the stress off the joint when you’re using it,” Sluka says.
Weights that are from an ounce to 5 to 10 pounds will help. However, it’s important to pace yourself when doing these exercises. Start with a can of soup, if you’ve been inactive for a long time, or try doing sit-ups or push-ups around the house.
3. Sex
Don’t laugh! Sexual activity counts as a form of exercise.
“Exercise and healthy sex (which is, after all, a form of exercise) are probably two of the most important panaceas against pain, (but) healthy sex is harder to prescribe than exercise,” Dr. Fine says.
A recent study from Stanford University found that undergrads in the throes of a new love affair were less likely to feel pain inflicted on them.
“The feeling of being intimately connected, or in partnership with another person or even a pet, seems also to be a vital issue in people’s lives in terms of coping and pain,” Dr. Fine says.
4. Golfing
This activity will give you some of the benefits of walking (if you don’t use a cart), but it is “probably one of the worst sports for your low back because of the torques involved,” says Dr. Calvino.
“When you’re making the golf swing, the (strain) is enormous, especially on the lower back.”
Golfing should be combined with strengthening and stretching activities. Same with tennis. “You don’t play tennis to get into shape. You should be in shape before stepping onto the court,” he says.
5. Walking
This is a low-impact activity that’s a good choice if you have the physical capability.
The benefit is that you can exercise almost anywhere: The mall, the local school track, or a parking lot.
“It has appeal. It’s easy to do,” Dr. Fine says. “It’s an option you can do during all four seasons no matter where you live, and there are very few conditions where walking is not feasible.”
Written By Amanda Gardner
