Why Strength Training Is the Best Exercise For Your Arthritis

What if you could keep your joints strong and pain-free for decades—without endless cardio or risky workouts?

Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher continue their series on the benefits of strength training, breaking down the connection between osteoarthritis and strength training. They reveal how targeted strength work can reduce joint stress, slow degeneration, and even improve quality of life.

Tune in to learn how strength training can protect your joints and keep you moving pain-free.

• Dr. Fisher starts by explaining what osteoarthritis really is--a degenerative joint disease where cartilage and bone break down over time. 
• That damage triggers pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, often creating a vicious cycle where inactivity leads to weight gain, and extra weight adds even more stress to already struggling joints.
• Dr. Fisher highlights that every case is personal. No two people with osteoarthritis have the same symptoms, challenges, or lifestyle impact. 
• How to reduce your risk before it starts. Dr. Fisher points out that obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for knee osteoarthritis—and losing weight can dramatically lower that risk.
• Dr. Fisher explains how building muscle around the knee stabilizes it, making injuries less likely. Preventing that initial injury can mean delaying, or even avoiding, the onset of osteoarthritis.
• According to Dr. Fisher, strength training offloads the joints. By strengthening the muscles, you shift the workload from the skeletal system to the muscular system. This means less wear and tear on your joints and more support for pain-free movement.
• Amy and Dr. Fisher agree—our bodies aren’t meant to carry all the load on our skeletons. Skipping strength training leaves your joints taking on more stress than they should. 
• Dr. Fisher reveals research showing resistance exercise works. Studies confirm it can decrease pain, improve joint mechanics, and restore physical function. It’s a proven way to reclaim strength and confidence in movement, even with osteoarthritis.
• Learn why strength training beats repetitive cardio for joint safety. High-impact, repetitive movements—like running—can aggravate joint pain.
• Amy shares how people can stay active despite joint pain. 
• Many people write themselves off from activities of daily life, but working with an exercise coach using slow, controlled muscle loading can fortify joints without causing irritation. 
• Dr. Fisher breaks down a study showing long-term benefits of strength training. 
• Amy and Dr. Fisher explain how resistance training has been shown to improve strength while reducing self-reported pain levels in osteoarthritis patients. The physical improvements often lead to greater confidence and quality of life.
• Dr. Fisher warns that degenerative conditions won’t resolve on their own. Without action, osteoarthritis like prediabetes or prehypertension, often progresses. Taking steps to improve strength and joint health now can slow or even stop that downward spiral.

 

 

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