For arthritis, which exercise approach is recommended?

• A. High-impact exercises
• B. Emphasizing movement and low-impact exercises
• C. Avoid movement altogether
• D. Only stretching

Answer: (B)

Regular movement using low-impact activities is recommended for arthritis. Keeping joints in motion helps reduce stiffness, maintain range of motion, and preserve muscle strength to support the joints, while also improving cardiovascular health and helping manage body weight to lessen joint load over time. Low-impact options like walking, swimming or water-based exercises, cycling, and gentle cardio let you stay active with less stress on the joints, which is especially important when symptoms flare or when joints are painful. Start at a comfortable level and progress gradually to avoid aggravating symptoms. Movement with a focus on reducing impact is more effective than avoiding activity altogether, and it provides more overall benefit than stretching alone, which doesn’t address strength and cardio fitness.