Linda’s story
“If you say to yourself, I’m just going to do it for one minute, by the time you’ve started you’re actually quite happy to keep going.”
For many years, Linda has been the primary carer for her husband, who manages multiple conditions. But in recent year’s Linda’s arthritis has begun to affect her to the point where she will sometimes call him for help. This has meant that the two support each other in different but equally meaningful ways. She supports him by doing the shopping and running errands, and they enjoy cracking jokes and playing cards together at home, as well as getting active together when they are able to.
How Linda gets moving
Linda does a variety of exercises that a physiotherapist taught her. After trying a physiotherapy class, she realised they helped manage her symptoms quite a bit, leading her to quickly integrate them into her routine. One of the nice things about her physio exercises is that she can do them anywhere and anytime; the low impact nature of them means that she can still stretch and build strength, and that she can slip activity in while waiting for the kettle to boil or standing in the hallway.
In the year since we last saw Linda, she has been busy moving house, making it difficult for do as many home exercises, but she has found the change of environment has motivated her to get out more and take up new activities like kayaking!
Building activity into your routine
Getting active doesn’t need to be about doing traditional exercises. It can just be about doing things that fit into your daily routine, as and when you can. Building activity into your regular routine is one of the best ways you can start to build a new habit.
Trying new activities
You might just be starting to get active, or you might be looking to try something new. Either way, there are some things that might be helpful to bear in mind when you’re trying out a new way of moving.
Arthritis and MSK conditions
For people living with long-term arthritis or other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, the changing nature of the conditions, combined with the impact of pain, fatigue and low moods, can make the idea of physical activity seem overwhelming. But being active can help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life. We are here to help you find tailored activities you can enjoy, that are just right for you.