Although there are over 100 different arthritic diseases, the awful joint pain blurs the distinctions in most people’s minds. By far the most common of them, osteoarthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage that acts as a buffer between the ends of adjoining bones becomes inflamed and wears down over time. The resulting friction of bone on bone is what causes the aching discomfort.
With the pain that sufferers experience making even everyday activities a challenge, exercise often seems a leap too far. But hopping on a bellicon® can be one of the best things to do for your condition. By strengthening your muscles surrounding affected joints and providing them with additional support, you take the pressure off the damaged cartilage. Physical activity can also help get your weight under control, which further reduces stress on your joints. Plus, you’ll find that you have more energy during the day and sleep better at night.
The Mayo Clinic sums it up, “Even moderate exercise can ease your pain and help you maintain a healthy weight. When arthritis threatens to immobilise you, exercise keeps you moving.”
There are about ten million people in the UK living with some form of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus and fibromyalgia, to name but a few. Despite ongoing research, treatment and prevention are currently the best lines of defence against these disabling but common diseases.
While it may seem counterintuitive, bouncing on a bellicon® is a powerful healer. That’s because it’s a world-class cardiovascular workout that tones muscles, encourages lymph drainage, improves balance and strengthens your bones. In other words, it conditions you inside and out. But if you suffer from arthritis, the real clincher is this: Our unique suspension system ensures that all these benefits don’t come at the cost of stressing your joints and cartilage. The incredible elasticity of our bungees provides a far softer landing than spring rebounders. Your joints will thank you for a bellicon®.
As an arthritis sufferer, you need to take it easy when beginning a new exercise regime. As gentle as bouncing on a bellicon® is, you can expect to feel some aches or pains afterwards for the first few weeks. If it still hurts more than two hours after your workouts, you might be doing too much. Try reducing the intensity or duration of your routines until the discomfort is manageable. Stretching before and after your sessions will also help your joints to adapt more quickly to the increased activity.
As rheumatologist Dr. Ronenn Roubenoff explains, you need to commit to the long haul with exercise because you’ll only start seeing the benefits of an osteoarthritis fitness programme after about six weeks of working out two or three times per week.
Health bouncing is a great way for arthritis sufferers to ease themselves into exercising on a bellicon®. All it involves is taking advantage of the remarkable elasticity of the bellicon® by moving up and down without your feet ever leaving the mat. This gentle workout will energise your heart, lungs, muscles and lymphatic system while sparing your joints any stress or strain. Within a few weeks, you’ll be surprised to find that you’ve got back into the habit of exercising, are feeling fitter and healthier and, best of all, your symptoms have abated.
