As more individuals initiate exercising in different classes, the injury rate goes up. Exercise classes have many benefits of improving strength, balance,, flexibility and easing pain. However, there can be problems, depending on one’s health such as arthritis especially osteoarthritis as various types of arthritis start occurring as we age. Avoid putting excessive pressure on arthritic joints
Understand the different types of pain. Sharp, immediate pain especially in a joint, is a sign to ease up. Having dull aching the next day is likely delayed-onset muscle soreness. It generally subsides in a few days. Don’t overstretch.
Avoid chin-to-chest poses that place pressure on the head. Caution: Hot, red and/or swollen joints indicate active inflammation. Stick with gentle range of motion activities for that joint. Consider talking to health-care provider about appropriate treatment.
If one has osteoarthritis avoid rounding your spine when sitting or standing. This position increases the risk for a vertebral fracture. Keep the spine long and hinge forward at your hips,
Don’t twist your spine to its end range of rotation.End-range rotation can increase fracture risk. Keep twists in the midrange, as turning your shoulders while driving. Move slowly, do not round your back, keep the spine elongated
Be cautious during supine (face-up) poses Lifting the head when lying on the ground creates the forward-flexing, (“abdominal crunch”) can be dangerous, placing excessive pressure on vertebral bodies and can lead to compression fractures. To perform these poses safely, hinge at the hips and keep the spine in neutral or complete other exercises avoiding the risk.
Stay active, listen to your body, when problems occur address them.