You might have heard that strength training is important for rheumatoid arthritis, but wondered: where to start? In this episode, Cheryl chats with Dr. Jasmin Ma, a Kinesiologist and professor at University of British Columbia (UBC), about how to make physical activity doable and FUN through community support.
Dr. Ma advises people with rheumatoid arthritis to start small, listen to their body, and use her "START" guide to gradually build an active routine that feels right for you. She also explains how the START guide is a useful tool for clinicians like physiotherapists and occupational therapists to support patients in developing sustainable strength training routines.
Dr. Ma also shares her favorite mantra, "control the controllables and enjoy the enjoyables," which is a great reminder to focus on what you can manage and find joy in the little things. Plus, Cheryl and Dr. Ma dive into how having a supportive community—whether it’s big or just a few people—can make a huge difference in thriving with RA!
Episode Themes:
Physical Activity with RA: Dr. Ma shares how you should listen to your body’s needs and pace yourself to avoid overexertion. Physical activity is more than exercise; it’s about reducing sedentary time and increasing daily activity.
Kinesiologist’s Approach to Movement: Using the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Dr. Ma talks about the balance of physical activity, sleep, and reducing sedentary behavior, all while accounting for the challenges posed by RA.
The Importance of Community: Cheryl and Dr. Ma discuss how community is key for thriving with RA, but it looks different for everyone. Whether it’s a large group, one-on-one support, or reaching out to a healthcare professional, connection makes a difference.
Inspirational Mantra: Dr. Ma shares her favorite saying: "Control the controllables and enjoy the enjoyables." Focus on what you can manage and find joy in the present moment.
Empowering Mindset: Cheryl and Dr. Ma discuss how RA management is about becoming your own scientist and finding what works best for you.
Mental Shift on Exercise: Cheryl and Dr. Ma explore the idea of reframing exercise as something empowering, rather than just a necessity, and how staying active can contribute to feeling more in control of your health.
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Go to the episode page on the Arthritis Life Website.