I thought it would be ironic if I started the exercise thread under the aegis of the Steam Room forum. I do hope people will feel they can start a "DAILY EXERCISE THREAD" any day.
Anything counts: trying to stand in the hydrotherapy pool (fantastic), wiggling your toes for range of movement exercises, taking 10% more steps/minutes in that short or long walk, running a 10k race, parachuting off an aeroplane, whatever.

welcome
i do daily walks,plus laundry picking up cats helps tum muscles.
hoovering,walked for 20 mins today.
not yet been able start swimming again due to mouth infections told by gp not good till healed up.
melly

Hi Alice,

I am very fortunate that my RA affects mainly my fingers, hands, wrists, neck. My Ra is definitely affected most of all by emotional stress, still dont fully understand it.
My legs or back usually ok unless hips when really poorly but that was a fair few years ago now. Feet / toes used to flare sometimes at beginning 1997 ish but not much any more. Fingers / hands are always affected worse when my flares happen.........

We got rid of our multi gym after my diagnosis - its just not for me any more and caused more probs than it was worth for me :(

Before signing up for 10k I had just started talking to my gp about fitness - just starting to be bothered by middle age spread and being about to hit 40 just before the run took place.
Almost all training was on grass or forestry tracks - I definitely don't recommend running on road for someone with RA. I wasn't aiming for any target times - just to finish - so spent training time just concentrating on building up fitness levels and stamina.

I used to run when I was younger & found it a great stress buster. Road running and RA dont really mix tho' & I found it quite tough but completed with a mixture of short runs, long walks. If i could have afforded it I would have used a personal trainer for training but i did sign up for various online support systems especially researching protective techniques and top tips. My top tip was to go for the best pair of running shoes you can afford - i couldnt have done it otherwise - i researched what i needed then went to Ebay for bargain shoe shopping!
Some of the hints and tips we picked up must have rubbed off on Sophie who on race day turned into my highly effective and slightly scary personal trainer. Even tho' she had trained less than me she was fantastic on the day!
I haven't run since but I am walking more with the dogs again and feel fitter - just spending time outdoors is stress busting.

Look forward to hearing more but take care - don't go doing too much! Love Liz xxxxx

I am quite moved by all of you sharing your experiences. I have lived with RA for over 2 years without really having the opportunity to talk to fellow travellers before. It's beginning to feel cyber-real.