Overcoming Exercise Discomforts
A good exercise routine for psoriasis should include both aerobic and strengthening activity, which will help you shed weight and build muscle faster than either approach alone. But the amount you do will depend on your current fitness level, your health goals, and the extent of your symptoms.
For instance, building muscle around your joints it’s a sure-fire way to ease the strain of psoriatic arthritis, but you could injure yourself and exacerbate other symptoms if you overdo it. Begin slowly, and you can rea more rewards by:
Choosing Activities You Like
Trainers, athletes, and physical therapists will all say that you’re much more likely to meet your goals if you’re enjoying the ride. That means you shouldn’t make yourself do an activity just because it’s good exercise: if you don’t like running, don’t run, and don’t feel guilty about it.
Instead, choose something you don’t mind doing (you’ll probably learn to like it a lot more with practice), and find a way to incorporate it into your routine.
Avoiding Trauma to Your Skin
Even if you’re not prone to the Koebner phenomenon, you should take extra care to protect exposed skin, and the areas that tend to rub. Wear loose-fitting clothes that let your skin breathe (try technical fabrics that are made to keep you cool and wick away sweat), and stop if you notice irritation or reddening areas.
You can protect against chafing by applying talcum powder to sweaty areas, and use a lubricant (that doesn’t irritate your skin) on areas that rub together (thighs, upper arms, and the groin are some common danger zones).
If you do notice a skin problem, time is of the essence. Always keep topical medication close at hand so you can treat the area right away, and hopefully prevent a flare-up.
Pain and inflammation can make it more difficult to get through a workout, and it’s your body’s way of telling you to slow down. Rest any areas that need it, and talk to your doctor about adapting your exercise routine to suit your symptoms.
