Arthritis? Burn calories anyway!

Arthritis and joint pain can start affecting your life well before retirement age. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Most Americans have osteoarthritis, which can be caused by a sports injury, or car accident. Even after injuries heal, damage to joints from that injury can speed up arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when your body begins to break down the lining of your joints. It is not the result of in injury.

Now matter what kind of arthritis you have, those achy joints, sharp pains you experience while playing with you kids or enjoying a game of tennis are often discouraging. You don’t have to give up an active lifestyle because of arthritis. In fact, exercising is one of the best things you can do. Not only does it keep your joints mobile but it will keep your weight down. Excess weight is one of the major contributors for achy joints.

Low-impact exercises will not only get you in shape, but also boost your energy and reduce arthritis pain.

Wheels up: Riding a bike is a perfect low-impact exercise option. The range of motion doesn’t add pressure to your joints but does get your heart rate going. Riding a bike — either stationary or outside - for just 30 minutes a day at a relatively slow pace burns 275 calories.

Hit the water: Swimming is one of the best full-body workouts. Being in the water creates a cushioning environment so your body experiences no stress or heavy impact. It also tones muscles and burns major calories — up to 600 per hour.

Make time for yoga: Yoga is not only low-impact and relaxing, but you can do it in the comfort of your home — no equipment necessary. It strengthens and tones your muscles. A combination of low-impact cardio with a yoga routine would really kick start your health transformation.
Don’t forget that a successful weight-loss program combines healthy eating and exercising. Reducing your caloric intake by 3,500 calories a week can result in a steady weight loss of one pound per week. That breaks down to 500 fewer calories a day. Cutting out 250 calories from your diet and burning 250 calories from exercise a day is an easy way to get started.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. ET on CNN.