Physical Fitness and You
Sport, exercise and targeted ankylosing spondylitis exercises.
Sport and exercise are of central importance in Bekhterev’s disease in order to maintain mobility as well as physical, Boost, Body, Fit, and mental fitness for as long as possible. In addition, stress is reduced and weight is reduced. Here you will find the decisive tips.
Which sports are suitable for Bekhterev’s disease?
Are you active in sports and would like to know whether this is compatible with Bekhterev’s disease? Or do you intend to do more for your fitness and are looking for a sport that is suitable for you?
Exercise is fundamental to your Morbus Bechterew treatment in order to maintain your mobility and physical fitness as well as possible. Your spine also benefits from daily exercises that are targeted. Surely your doctor has already prescribed physiotherapy for you. Of course, you can also do sports. Due to your illness there are however some things to consider, since not all kinds of sports are equally suitable for you. By the way, there are also sports groups only for patients with ankylosing spondylitis, the costs are covered by your health insurance.
You are not sure whether your sport is the right one for you at the current stage of your illness and would like to try new exercises? This decision should be based on the therapeutic goals and the scope of the disease. If you are already active in sports, you might be better off if you don’t set your performance standards too high and adjust your movements to the disease. It is best to consult your doctor about the exercises or your physiotherapist if you have one. These are your two competent contact points for recommendations on sports and training methods that are suitable for Bekhterev’s disease.
Which sports are particularly recommended?
For people with ankylosing spondylitis, all sports in which an upright posture with rotational movements and stretching of the trunk are in the foreground are basically suitable. Good examples are badminton, archery, fly fishing, Nordic walking, swimming, water gymnastics, cross-country skiing, tennis and volleyball.
If you don’t feel fit enough or are out of practice, start with easy activities like walking or swimming. Sports with physical contact such as football or ice hockey are less recommended, but not necessarily taboo. Talk to your doctor, after all you can also try different things. Listen to your body, it tells you what is good for you and what is not.
The usual suspects
Hiking, cycling, swimming: These are all sports that are generally known to be good for the body and at the same time less stressful. This also applies to people with ankylosing spondylitis. Both swimming and cycling are ideal for a gentle start to a life full of exercise, especially as they can be intensified. In both cases a large part of the body weight is carried, which makes gentle muscle training possible. It depends on the correct posture. It can make sense to take part in a swimming course in order to learn the right techniques. Muscles and condition should be challenged, but bones and joints should be spared. Water gymnastics can also be recommended in this context.
In order to protect the joints, the sitting position during training is particularly important when cycling. It is best to ask your physiotherapist or a swimming trainer for advice.
Hiking can also be very efficient, but it is an elastic term. This can mean a long walk or a trip in the high mountains, which takes several hours and is physically demanding. Good equipment is essential for sportive hiking. You start with your backpack. It should have a hip belt to relieve the strain on the back and not be too heavy. Suitable footwear that fits well is not only important for people with back pain, but essential for them. Walking poles, if used correctly, can also relieve back and joints.
Upright in everyday life – Tips for a good posture in Bekhterev’s disease.
Plea for a straight back.
A good posture can help to maintain mobility in the long term. You should keep your back straight in all situations – at work, during leisure time, driving and even while sleeping. In order to maintain as much mobility as possible in later years, gymnastics can be helpful, which is carried out consistently every day. Please talk to your doctor about which exercises are particularly useful for you in terms of posture and mobility. The following tips and recommendations should be followed regularly.
