I’ve had the arthritis symptoms for 10 years. I’m not hugely affected by arthritis mainly hands and fingers - it is hard to make a fist. Knees is the other one. I have a titanium hip put in a few years ago.

In the future…
I want to keep as active and able to do the things that I want to do for as long as I can . I’m 68 and I wonder how long I will be able to do the things that I enjoy. I’m still walking out in nature and riding motorbikes.


Paul’s Tips for exercising:
1.   Use it or lose it. You need to keep yourself moving and work on endurance

2.   Exercising indoors in a heated pool negates the weather issue as you can do it any time.

3. I like exercising in the pool as it's relatively low impact. The pool is nice and warm very comfortable. Doing the sit squats and things it is not an option outside of the pool. With the resistance of the water you can push as hard as you like.

I’ve got arthritis and osteoporosis. With the tablets and injection things seemed to improve but I know that that is a limited option. And I don’t want that to get worse. I don’t want to break a bone. But (now) I’m getting stronger and improving the cardio side of my fitness.

‍In the future…

Hopefully my arthritis will stay pretty much as it is. I will continue to do my exercises in the pool and play golf and walk and cycle when I can.

Sue’s Tips:

1.   Doing the pool exercises 2x week is better for my body

2.   Some people are determined and can do exercise on their own but I know sometimes other people are motivated when exercising with someone else so they don’t let someone down.

I’ve had an auto-immune disease since I was in my late 20s and now I am 66 years old.
I’ve had intermittent flares with pain connected to this. My knee pain has become worse in the past 10 years.

I tended to avoid some things completely if I thought they were causing me pain. (Now, I know) it is ok to have some pain with exercise.

In the future…
I will keep going to the pool for sure as I feel confident in the water. My aim is 3 times a week and I’m wanting to get to the point where I’m managing my pain. I know it possibly could get worse but I hope it won’t. A flare is a flare and it will get better.


Mary’s Tips:

1.   It’s important to do (exercise) to help keep up your balance and build those muscles up that help your knee strong.

2.  Be regular with exercise. I realise I need to do 3x sessions per week in the pool to stay healthy.

3.   A group setting is the best because you make the commitment to exercise.