Arthritis and Losing Weight

[Wisebird]

Osteo Arthritis makes aerobic excercise very difficult. I do walk quite a lot, but the brisk walking recommended it out the question. I HATE SWIMMING, because I will only do breastroke (cant bear swimming on my back) and don't really enjoy water anyway. I have been told that I must not do breaststroke as it is not good for my arthritic neck. My only way of losing weight would seem to drastically reduce portion size as I do eat properly and follow all the recommended advice, including drinking loads of water. I end up permanently hungry, especially after a day at work. Is there anyone out there with a similar problem who has solved it. I need to lose two stone at least to be a healthy weight.

[bluedolphin]

A friend of mine stopped eating after 7pm in the evening....was very difficult at first but she got used to it. Another friend went down the diet pills road(ones where u feel full after taking them) the pounds just flew off of him...but he had mood swings ...be careful....

[bluedolphin]

oops i forgot....how about aqua aerobics?

[Wisebird]

Thanks Bluedolphin. Unfortunately, a friend of mind (male) is the only instructor locally for aqua aerobics and I feel positively embarrassed to expose my surplus pounds in his presence. False pride, I know, but I can't face that! I work until 6.00 and don't get home until 6.30. I have been trying to eat earlier and eat less, but tend to then nibble later. I suppose willpower, or being online all evening to AB, are the only answers. The second one is certainly more inviting!

[tracymort]

what about yoga?

[Kit]

I am so fed up of hearing people being told that they mustn't swim because of their neck. It's a myth. Breastroke will not harm your neck. All it will do is make it hurt if it doesn't like being in one position all the time. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't it if it doesn't make your neck hurt - and you can get round it by trying a few lengths swimming interspersed with treading water in the deep end - good aerobic exercise without putting your neck in an awkward position. Apart from that low impact aerobics, cycling or using a cross-trainer might help as there is little impact on the joints. Sorry, Tracyh, yoga (along with pilates and tai chi) are great for toning up the muscles and very useful for people with arthritis, but don't burn off many calories.

[Wisebird]

Thanks Kit, Both my physio and osteopath have said I should only swim breaststroke if I keep my neck in line with my body, but, as I said, I don't really enjoy water, especially over my face. If I look up I aggrevate my cervical spondylosis and my arms and hands go weak and numb, I might then drown! I will investigate a cross- trainer. Don't know what it is but keeping thinking it might be a transvestite gym instructor!!!!

[Wisebird]

TracyH. Yoga is certainly very good for the joints, but I don't think it burns many calories. Although I have arthritis I am fortunately quite supple.