Transcript

Staying Active with R.A.

Leslie Rott
I think that one of the best pieces of advice that I can give for living life with Rheumatoid Arthritis is to stay active and to keep moving. That means doing something that you like, that energizes you, and that doesn't cause you a whole lot of pain.

Cat Thomson
Before I was diagnosed I used to run, I took Tae Kwon Do and Kickboxing, and on top of that I would attend my local gym. After my diagnosis I still do the same things, I've just learned to tweak it, I feel like. So if I have a flare up, I still exercise but I will bring it down a level.

Mariah Leach
I really like to do Pilates. Equipment Pilates in particular uses all kinds of straps and springs and other forms of support to help you strengthen your muscles, but I really like Pilates because most of the movements are really slow and precise and a lot of the exercises are done laying down so you can work on strengthening your muscles without putting too much strain on your joints in the process.

Leslie Rott
For me, I just recently several weeks ago started kickboxing, and you would think 'kickboxing with rheumatoid arthritis, how is that possible?' I love it, it is so fun and so energizing, I can't kick my legs that high and I can't always bend my arms to the full extent, but its such a good workout and its nice to have an hour a week where I'm really into something and I'm really focusing my energy. Its also nice the next day to be in pain and know that its not from lupus or rheumatoid arthritis but its pain from a good hard workout that I was able to do despite my limitations.

Cat Thomson
I believe that exercise not only keeps you mobile and healthy physically, but absolutely mentally it does the same.

Leslie Rott
Do what feels right for you, do what you enjoy, but keep moving. Regardless of what it is, even if you're just walking at a snail's pace.

Cat Thomson
I will continue to do what I have done in my past life.