07 Nov 2013

Arthritis Foundation Exercise and Walk with Ease Programs offered by Stillwater Billings Clinic

The “Chronic Illness Symptom Cycle” stimulated by pain is an all too familiar cycle of events.  When an individual hurts they tend to reduce their activity, move less, and experience muscle tension.  This then leads to decreased flexibility, strength, and function.  Over time increased fatigue, stress, and depression, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem step in the way.   These inhibitors lead to more pain, stiffness, and lack of mobility. The chronic symptom cycle continues.

The Arthritis Foundation has developed the Arthritis Exercise program targeted at breaking this cycle for those with arthritis and others experiencing limiting pain and mobility issues.  The goal of the program is to provide participants with a social outlet for learning and practicing exercises that will improve flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and coordination.  The program has improved individuals abilities to perform daily activities, experience less pain, decrease depression and improve mood. This program features gentle, joint-safe movements that can be adapted for various fitness levels.

Each exercise class lasts about an hour and includes an educational component, a joint warm up, an exercise period including range of motion, strength, balance and endurance exercises, a joint cool down and a relaxation period.

A second program developed by the Arthritis Foundation, “Walk with Ease” is a group walking program that promotes education about walking safely and comfortably, while simultaneously learning about arthritis self-management and successful physical activity for people with arthritis, limiting pain, and mobility issues.  This program lasts about an hour and has an educational component including exercise techniques and developing a walking program that will work for you.

The Stillwater Billings Clinic and the Stillwater County MSU Extension Office facilitate the “Arthritis Foundation Exercise” and “Walk with Ease” programs within Stillwater County.  All interested individuals are encouraged to attend. .

For questions or more information, please contact Lisa Terry, MSU Extension, 322-8035.

 

Arthritis Exercise

Columbus Senior Citizens Center:  11am – 12 pm Tuesdays and Fridays

Courthouse first floor meeting room 4-5pm Mondays and Wednesdays

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Stillwater Billings Clinic - Caring for Our Community